Norway to strengthen educational support for children in Lebanon

‘Hundreds of thousands of people were internally displaced in Lebanon during the conflict with Israel in the latter half of 2024. Schools were used as temporary shelters for families, and thousands of children are traumatised and have missed out on schooling. Under this new programme, Norway is providing support for efforts to train more than 6 000 teachers and school staff members in how to help children cope with difficult experiences and rediscover the joy of learning,’ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

The programme is designed to create safe, inclusive learning environments and to bring hope to a new generation. UNICEF’s efforts will be targeted towards strengthening teaching in public schools and promoting learning through play. UNICEF will also be working together with the Lebanese authorities to ensure the use of high-quality school curriculums, textbooks, and other learning materials, and access to individually adapted education for children who need it. Another of the programme’s aims is to ensure that all children feel safe and are able to thrive at school. Efforts will also be directed towards children who are not attending accredited schools in order to help them reintegrate into the formal education system.

‘Providing children with access to safe schooling in countries affected by crisis and conflict is essential to prevent entire generations from being lost. School offers a break from the hardships of daily life and brings a sense of normality in an otherwise unpredictable situation. Children living in difficult circumstances have a particularly great need for a safe place where they can learn, play, and spend time with friends. In the long term, education provides opportunities for a better future, not only for the children themselves but also for the societies in which they live,’ said Mr Aukrust.