World Bank: Lebanon’s Education System ‘Under Threat’

World Bank: Lebanon’s Education System ‘Under Threat’

In its latest report on the situation in Lebanon, the World Bank warned of the dangers threatening the future of education in the country.

The report, titled "Foundations for Building Forward Better: An Education Reform Path for Lebanon“, presented an overview of key challenges facing the education sector.

"The compounded crises that have assailed Lebanon over the past several years -Syrian refugee influx, economic and financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Port of Beirut blast- have all put severe strains on an already struggling education system,“ the World Bank stated.

It noted that low levels of learning and skills mismatch in the job market put the future of Lebanese children at risk and entail a critical need for more and better targeted investments in the sector.

"Pre-COVID-19 learning levels were already comparatively low, with only 6.3 years of learning taking place, after schooling is adjusted for actual learning. The global pandemic has led to extended school closures since March 2020, which will likely result in a further and significant decrease in learning,“ the report said, adding: "Effectively, students in Lebanon are facing a "lost year“ of learning.“

The Ministry of Education insisted on holding official exams despite the many voices that rose against the