Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Israel and Syria, Lebanon is one of the smallest countries in the Middle East by area. It gained independence from France in 1943. Despite its compact size, Lebanon has played an important role in regional politics, security and commerce throughout its history. It has a history rich in cultural heritage too!
Modern Lebanon today is hampered by external pressures. By mid-2014 Lebanon had given refuge through its “open door” policy to over one million Syrian refugees, the equivalent of 25 percent of the country’s population. The spill-over from the Syria crisis has put a massive strain on Lebanon’s infrastructure and public systems, which were already stretched before the humanitarian crisis. The need for services such as healthcare, water and electricity were already often higher than what could be provided. In turn, the education system was also burdened. Increased demand on the limited services created tensions and negative perceptions between refugees and host communities.
Very interestingly, education has been an important focus for international donors, the Lebanese government and civil society - representing both a challenge and a solution to many challenges. Globally, education has become a clear indicator of positive life outcomes. In fact, evidence shows that higher levels of education are associated with better health and social wellbeing, including higher social trust. It is not surprising, therefore, that a significant effort was made to provide education for the large number of out-of-school Syrian children in Lebanon, which was done within the framework of the No Lost Generation (NLG) initiative.
Commendably, the Lebanese government’s commitment to opening schools to all school-aged Syrian children in the country represents a unique move in the region and globally, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment by a national government. It is also unique that Syrian children have the opportunity to receive the internationally recognised Lebanese Baccalaureate with the consequent global opportunities, as opposed to different types of baccalaureates certified by the Syrian opposition but not by Lebanon or other countries. Given the current international support to providing education for Syrian refugees in Lebanon through the national education system, it is vital to strengthen national capacities and ensure good-quality standards at a country level in Lebanon for all children alike.
A mixed class of Lebanese and Syrian students in Bekaa, 2016.
Recent research (October 2016 and January 2017) on evidence of the role of education in supporting social stability was carried out as part of the Change in exile project implemented by International Alert in Lebanon and Roskilde University in Denmark. These studies indicate that level of education is a clear indicator of life outcomes, including positive perceptions and behaviors. Additionally, the studies have shown that education can contribute to social stability, not least of which is building knowledge and skills to address tensions without violence and discrimination, especially when schools are among the few spaces where children can mingle and experience diversity in the country. Moreover, the studies note education can help to build the resilience of children by reducing the risk of resorting to negative coping strategies such as early marriage or child labour, therefore increasing the likelihood of positive well-being.
The research has shown that although formal education has strong potential to support positive social interactions building on the government’s plan, Lebanon is not currently seizing the existing opportunities. In addition, non-formal education has strong potential to support social stability, and efforts should be made to coordinate formal and non-formal education opportunities. The role of parents is also vital in ensuring children’s positive educational performance, and the collaboration between municipalities, schools and parents is key to further stability:
“Syrian and Lebanese parents are not involved in their children’s education due to limited time, capacities and opportunities, as well as language barriers. Syrian parents whose children attend afternoon shifts at Lebanese public schools face challenges in accessing school administration or in supporting their children with homework due to the use of foreign languages in Lebanese curricula. Moreover, due to social norms, parents sometimes resist sending their children to initiatives of mixed gender and mixed nationalities, which are aimed at improving their perceptions and levels of trust. Parents’ support and involvement needs to be strengthened, therefore, for instance by: building on the existing parent community groups (PCGs); raising awareness of the importance of education; engaging parents in their children’s education; and providing awareness sessions on topics such as peace education and positive communication with children.” (Source 4)
Ultimately, programs geared toward the promotion of social stability strongly point toward the potential to reduce bullying, improve the learning environment and reduce drop-out rates.
In conclusion, the role of education in fostering social stability in Lebanon has an optimistic outlook. At present, keeping in mind the refugee dilemma around the world, social stability through education as in Lebanon can certainly be fostered successfully worldwide.
Sources:
- https://www.worldatlas.com/as/lb/where-is-lebanon.html
- https://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/03/world/meast/lebanon-fast-facts/index.html
- https://www.usaid.gov/lebanon/cdcs
- https://www.international-alert.org/sites/default/files/Lebanon_SchoolForStability_EN_2017.pdf
