Lebanon’s empty schools bode long-term damage from crisis

Lebanon’s empty schools bode long-term damage from crisis

An empty classroom in a closed public school is seen in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 2, 2023. Public schools have been open for fewer than 50 days this school year because teachers are on strike, protesting dramatic currency devaluations that slashed their salaries to about $20 a month. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

BEIRUT (AP) — On a recent school day, the Rene Mouawad High School in Beirut was empty, its classrooms dark, just like all of Lebanon’s public schools have been for most of the past three months. Its striking teachers were protesting in front of the Education Ministry, not far away.

About a hundred teachers joined the demonstration outside the ministry, blocking traffic and holding placards demanding pay raises. “We are done with charity,” said Nisreen Chahine, the head of the union for contractor teachers. “We are not negotiating anymore. They should either rightfully pay us or go home.”