The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation commits to further support the Education Sector in Lebanon
Beirut, 25 July 2024 – The Embassy of Italy in Beirut, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) announced today an additional 2 million Euros contribution to the education sector in Lebanon to create a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers in Lebanon.
This new support, which will be implemented by UNICEF, will improve access to education through major rehabilitation and solarization works in at least three public schools across the country. The announcement was made by the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon during a joint field visit to a public school attended by the Minister of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and UNICEF Representative.
Minister of Education and Higher Education, Abbas al Halabi said: “following its rehabilitation, the Aramoun Public Secondary School is offering now a better educational environment for students. The school is equipped with solar energy, and its playgrounds, halls and classrooms are designed to the best standards. Rehabilitated school buildings have become an urgent need to accompany the enhanced teaching curriculum including recreational activities, and the digital.” He added: “We thank the Italian Government for their additional two million US dollars support through UNICEF to benefit more public schools”.
Investing in education for all in Lebanon has been a priority for AICS since 2015. Through the Government of Italy support, 51 public schools were rehabilitated, transforming them into more friendly spaces for children to ensure an improved, inclusive, and uninterrupted learning for students, including children with disabilities.
“Since 2017, Italy is committed to foster inclusive and high-quality education in Lebanon. Our efforts have contributed to this goal with around 60 million of euro, through multilateral and bilateral programs. To date, 107 public schools have been rehabilitated, and we are delighted to sustain this commitment by partnering with UNICEF to support the TREF through this new program”, declared Fabrizio Marcelli, Italian Ambassador.
“It is my great pleasure to continue working with MEHE and UNICEF to address barriers to inclusive, high-quality education in Lebanon. Education is the passport to the future and remains a top priority for AICS. We are keen to ensuring every child’s right to education, and this contribution plays a crucial role in achieving this significant goal” said Alessandra Piermattei, AICS Beirut Director.
“We are extremely grateful to the long-standing support of Italy and their commitment to the education sector in Lebanon as it is ensuring an inclusive and safe environment for learning. Rehabilitation makes a big difference to the schools and positively affects the children and the teachers. These schools are now improving the health and safety of children, thus improving attendance rates” said Ettie Higgins, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Lebanon.
About UNICEF
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