Lebanon’s enduring political deadlock and worsening economic crisis are casting a dark cloud over the nation’s education sector. Against the backdrop of the sudden cancellation of this year’s Brevet exams in June, parents are left concerned about the feasibility of sending their children back to school for the upcoming academic year, which begins next month.
The cost of education in Lebanon is projected to surge to an average of $550 per child for the upcoming school year. This rise is fueled by adjustments to school fees, increased tuition costs, and a broader trend of ‘dollarization’ as Lebanon moves away from its volatile Lebanese pound. However, this projection is in stark contrast to the average monthly salary in the country, which has dwindled to less than $200.
Education Standards in Decline
The education sector in Lebanon has been grappling with deficits that have eroded the once-celebrated standards of its schools and universities. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent financial meltdown further exacerbated an already ailing system.
Ettie Higgins, UNICEF Deputy Representative, highlighted that Lebanese students’ performance has regressed over the years, scoring below the OECD average. She emphasized that these challenges predate the crisis, but the economic downturn has intensified them.
A Critical Lack of Investment
The public education system in Lebanon faces a severe lack of investment. While a strong private sector presence exists, public education, particularly at the primary level, suffers from insufficient resources from the government. The ongoing economic crisis has worsened the already existing problems in the education sector.
Rising Costs and Fundraising
The economic crisis has forced many schools in Lebanon to initiate fundraising campaigns to ensure their continued operation. Alumni and the Lebanese diaspora have stepped up to provide necessary funds. Parents are often asked for additional contributions alongside regular fees.
Capital controls have worsened the situation, as individuals with pre-crisis US dollar bank accounts are now required to withdraw Lebanese pounds at unfavorable exchange rates. This financial instability has led to a cascade of challenges, including losing international contracts and the departure of both students and teachers.
Drastic Spending Cuts
Schools unable to meet funding requirements have resorted to drastic spending cuts to avoid shutting down. Extracurricular activities have been halted, and even basic necessities like electricity and heating are compromised due to power outages and high fuel prices.
Teacher Strikes and Uncertain Reopenings
Teachers have gone on strikes, resulting in the closure of hundreds of schools across Lebanon for months. Negotiations between teachers’ unions and the Ministry of Education continue, casting doubts on whether some schools will reopen in the upcoming term without a clear resolution.
International Aid and Support
International agencies and NGOs are providing essential support to Lebanon’s educators. UNICEF has disbursed funds to public schools, delivered in-kind donations, and initiated a Productivity Allowance scheme to ensure teachers’ pay.
Looking Ahead
As Lebanon grapples with its ongoing crisis, the future of its education system remains uncertain. Urgent reforms are needed to create a sustainable and inclusive education system. It’s not just about reopening schools; it’s about ensuring that the education sector can attract and retain skilled professionals in the face of immense challenges. The economic crisis threatens to create a ‘brain drain’ as skilled individuals seek better opportunities abroad, leaving Lebanon’s future education prospects in jeopardy.