Backed by the commitment of Lebanese professionals worldwide and delivered through trusted NGOs, the Lebanon Education Emergency Fund, launched in late 2024, shows how urgent relief can lay the foundations for lasting progress.
Beirut, 18 September 2025 — In response to the 2024 war in Lebanon, LIFE, a global network of Lebanese professionals in the diaspora, launched the Lebanon Education Emergency Fund (LEEF) with its partner LebNet, a non-profit that empowers Lebanese professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide. The fund was created to protect children’s right to education, ensuring that those facing displacement, destruction, and extreme hardship could continue learning throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.
Thanks to the commitment of LIFE and LebNet’s network, over USD 540,000 was raised to provide urgent tuition aid, psychosocial support, and teacher training across Lebanon, benefiting more than 7,800 children. In total, 74 schools across eight governorates were supported, reaching the most vulnerable communities in Akkar, Alma El Chaab, Baalbeck, Beirut, Ersal, Hermel, Nabatieh, Saida, Tripoli, and Tyre.
At a time when thousands risked dropping out of school, LEEF helped 2,237 students stay enrolled through tuition assistance delivered by Ajialouna, Bassma, Beit El Baraka, and Ruwwad Al Tanmeya. Natacha Torkelsson, Head of Education Department at Beit El Baraka, said: “Thanks to LEEF, we secured tuition support for vulnerable students, helping sustain semi-private and low-income private schools while ensuring teachers’ salaries are paid in USD.”
Dr. Lina Zaim Dada, President of Ajialouna, added: “We provided vital educational assistance and hope to elementary students in severe need in several areas in Lebanon, protecting their futures and empowering them to build a stronger tomorrow.”
Beyond tuition, the fund addressed the deep emotional toll of conflict. Nafda and Bassma reached more than 5,600 children with psychosocial programs, skills development, and trust-building activities. Dahlia Rizk, Director of Partnerships & Strategy Development at Nafda Lebanon, highlighted the impact: “School communities were able to nurture well-being, citizenship, and peacebuilding—helping preserve Lebanon’s fragile social fabric when it was most at risk. We are truly grateful.”
Sandra Klat, President of Bassma Association, emphasized: “Education is vital to society. Thanks to LEEF, we supported displaced students, providing tuition and psychological care through Bassma Association, to help them rebuild their lives through learning.” Ruwwad Al Tanmeya combined tuition aid with IT and English training for secondary students in Tripoli. Reem Haj Ali, Projects and Programs Manager at Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, explained: “LEEF’s support fostered children’s learning, creativity, and confidence, while easing families’ financial burdens.”
Born out of crisis, the fund’s impact goes far beyond emergency relief. By keeping children in school, supporting teachers, and embedding psychosocial care, LEEF provided not only continuity in education but also hope and resilience for entire communities.
About LIFE
LIFE is a global membership organization that unites more than 1600 Lebanese professionals in the finance, consulting, law, and technology sectors worldwide. Founded in 2009 to bring together diaspora professionals dedicated to empowering the Lebanese community, the network maintains unwavering standards of governance, adhering to a non-partisan, non-sectarian, and independent approach to integrity.
With a diverse presence across 20 chapters worldwide, LIFE operates as an expansive network offering support to Lebanese professionals globally, extending from America to Asia. Leveraging the unity and collective action of its members, LIFE seeks to uplift and empower the Lebanese community on a global scale, while also advocating for economic and social reform within the country.
About LebNet:
LebNet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 in Silicon Valley, empowering over 3,500 Lebanese professionals in tech across the U.S. and Canada. Its diverse membership includes Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, venture capitalists, academics, and high-tech professionals. LebNet connects and mentors Lebanese talent in the tech industry, creating opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.
LebNet’s mission focuses on career coaching, mentorship, and high-impact networking events to strengthen connections among its members. It supports the next generation through internships, job referrals, and student programs. The organization also gives back to Lebanon by supporting startups and partnering with academic and tech institutions to foster innovation and technology.