As the conflict escalates, 1.2 million people are displaced and children are at great risk. ECW’s expanded First Response Response, delivered by UNICEF, will support quality, holistic education in high-risk areas and reach 20,330 children.
In response to the escalating crisis in Lebanon, Education Cannot Wait (ECW; Education Can’t Wait) and its strategic partners today announced $1.5 million in additional funding to support inclusive and safe access to quality education for girls and boys affected by the conflict.
The increase in the Emergency First Aid grant for the education sector in Lebanon will be provided by UNICEF provided. ECW and its strategic partners are working to expand their education response to the escalating conflict that has already displaced approximately 1.2 million people. Thanks to the $25.8 million that ECW received in Lebanon invested, 1.2 million children have already received a high-quality, holistic education.
“Once again Lebanon is suffering. The current conflict has placed great strain on the Lebanese education system, leaving many children at risk of falling behind or dropping out of school altogether. Children die, families lose their homes and valuable school infrastructure is damaged. Girls and boys have a right to the safety, protection and hope that only quality education can provide,” said Yasmine Sherif, executive director of Education Cannot Wait, the global fund for education in emergencies and long-term crises of the United Nations. “We must redouble our efforts and leave no child or teacher behind in Lebanon.”
“The escalation of clashes has resulted in Lebanon experiencing its most difficult period in decades, with the most deaths and the largest number of displaced people. The start of the new school year in public schools has been postponed because almost 60% of all public schools are being used as emergency accommodation. This is bringing the Lebanese education system to its knees,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF representative in Lebanon. “1.2 million children and young people need immediate access to quality and inclusive education. Where possible, schools should be open for teaching and learning and provide important psychosocial support to children and young people in these difficult times. Lebanon’s future stability and prosperity will be at risk if education is not the focus of our collective efforts.”
The cost expansion to support the education sector strategy will help maintain vital support to keep children going back to school in the coming school year. With the increased funding, First Emergency Aid will now reach 20,330 displaced children and youth, a significant increase from the original 7,530 children targeted with the funding announced in March this year ECW grant of 2.2 million US dollars should be achieved.
Emergency assistance focuses on providing displaced children with comprehensive and safe access to education. The program identifies hub schools to expand their operational capacity to accommodate new students. Another focus is to achieve high-quality learning outcomes in a safe and inclusive learning environment, with targeted training and interventions for girls and children with disabilities. In recovery, investment will also focus on the resilience and rebuilding of the education system.