Lebanon's Public Schools Reopen Amid War and Displacement

 Public schools in Lebanon have reopened in the quiet coastal town of Amchit, located 45 minutes north of Beirut, with students returning to their lessons. At the same time, many of the schools are serving as shelters for internally displaced people, who have sought refuge in these makeshift accommodations.

The escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in September led to the destruction or closure of hundreds of schools in Lebanon due to damage and security concerns, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Over 500 schools were repurposed as shelters for displaced people.

Now, approximately 175,000 students have returned to their classes, albeit in a shortened three-day school week. However, both teachers and students are facing mental exhaustion, and many are struggling to participate in classes due to the ongoing effects of the war.

While this situation remains challenging for Lebanon's education system, the reopening of public schools is seen as a positive step, allowing education to continue despite the displacement and conflict.