24 February 2026, South of Lebanon – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), together with TREF contributing partners represented by the European Union, and UNICEF conducted a joint field visit today to public schools in South Lebanon, reaffirming a shared commitment to safeguarding children’s right to education and ensuring continuity of learning in the most affected areas.
The visit marks an important milestone, reflecting sustained national and international efforts to protect education at a time when children and schools in southern border areas continue to face uncertainty and disruption risks. It also provided an opportunity to distribute learning materials and equipment and announce an additional 570,000USD funding and support aimed at preventing learning interruptions and strengthening the capacity of public schools to remain open, safe, and functional. This is in addition to 13.8 million USD already committed to support Formal and Non-Formal Education in the South and Nabetieh during School Year 2025/2026.
Through its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and with the generous support of donors notably the European Union, Germany through the German Development Bank KfW, France through the Agence Française de Développement (AfD) and Switzerland, UNICEF continues to support public schools in South Lebanon to ensure that children can continue learning in a stable and protective environment.
Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Rima Karami said: “From the very first day I assumed my responsibilities at the Ministry of Education, I was convinced of the need to give the frontline villages special attention, as a mark of respect and deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the people of the South amid the immense challenges they continue to face. Supporting them is not only a duty, but a commitment as they represent a model of resilience for all. We have translated this commitment into concrete and meaningful action, because education cannot wait, and because the children of the South deserve to keep their schools open, their dreams alive, and their future protected. We deeply value this partnership, which reflects the international community’s confidence in Lebanon’s public education system and its ability to endure and rise despite all challenges and above all, its confidence in the people of the South to persevere and move forward”.
Samy Saadi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon Said: “The European Union stands firmly by Lebanon and its public education sector. We are pleased to support the Ministry’s request for additional funding. Today, I am happy to confirm that our additional top-up of USD 570,000 will benefit 37 conflict-affected schools in South Lebanon. The allocation is based on vulnerability, assessed needs and enrolment levels. Education is not only about classrooms. It is about stability. It is about opportunity. And it is about hope.”
“Learning must continue, even in the most difficult circumstances. Every day a child is able to continue learning is an investment in their protection, wellbeing, and future,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “Together with the Ministry of Education and through the unwavering support of our donors, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that public schools in South Lebanon remain spaces of learning, stability, and support for children, even amid uncertainty. This visit and the additional support announced today are about standing with children, keeping education uninterrupted, and strengthening public education systems so they can continue to deliver for every child.”
As part of the visit, school supplies and essential learning materials procured with the funding support of the UK Government, Germany through the German Development Bank KfW and the LEGO Foundation, were distributed to 98 schools, including 37 public schools in high-risk areas in South of Lebanon, reaching more than 44,000 students. The supplies included over 150,000 textbooks, more than 1,400 digital devices and internet connectivity requirement, and over 2,180 stationery and recreational kits, including education supplies, early childhood development materials, recreational and retention support kits and LEGO boxes.
Since 2025, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in partnership with UNICEF and through the TREF donors, has been supporting public schools in South Lebanon to ensure continuity of learning. This support includes assistance to keep schools operational, provision of learning and teaching materials, support to teachers and school staff, and measures to help schools respond to evolving challenges while prioritizing student wellbeing, safety, and retention. These efforts aim to ensure that children in the south can continue accessing quality education through the public system, even in times of uncertainty.
About UNICEF
Working in Lebanon for over 70 years, UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone
For more information about UNICEF Lebanon and our work for children, visit www.unicef.org/lebanon/ or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube