Lebanon (MNN) — The best way to help Syria is to invest in its future — its children.
Lebanon hosts one of the world’s largest Syrian refugee populations. Government estimates put the number at 1.5 million, with at least 31% of them being school-aged children. Some began their education before the war or managed to enroll in Lebanese schools, but many have missed out on basic education — reading, writing, math, even music and science. Lebanon’s strained economy leaves little room to support these children, and many struggle with the language and curriculum.
“There was an attempt several years ago [to educate Syrian children] by the support of several international institutions,” explains Daoud Arnaout, “but it didn’t succeed mainly because of economic situation.” Seeing an entire generation of Syrian children growing up with limited educational foundations, Heart for Lebanon stepped in with a solution. If they couldn’t help all, they would start with a few.
(Photo courtesy of Salah Darwish via Unsplash)
“We have our educational non-formal program, which is equal to school,” says Arnaout. “It’s not a regular or registered school, but it is an education program with a good curriculum. We’ve adopted most of the Lebanese curriculum, though not all of it.” Today, the ministry serves around 400 Syrian children across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley. Students are placed in various grade levels depending on their academic ability.
“What we have accomplished so far with these kids is the style of their life, their education levels have changed positively, and they’ve gained a lot of education — language, math, a little bit of science. And definitely the spiritual part is as part of the curriculum; they have Bible lessons. They have chapel on weekly basis,” Arnaout shares.
The impact goes beyond academics. The children also show noticeable behavioral changes. “When they come in, they will treat each other maybe in a harsh manner, but after months or a year they understand what it means to be and behave well — with others, with yourself even, and with teachers and with the school and people around,” he adds.
“These kids are the future, whether here and back in Syria again, or outside the country, outside the other area, Middle East,” Arnaout says. “They are the future — if you build them correctly, and equip them with education, social awareness, all the knowledge that they can grasp, and definitely spiritually.”
(Photo courtesy of
Mitan Fetah via Unsplash)
Pray that Syrian children receive the education they need to build a better future for themselves and for Syria. Pray also that Heart for Lebanon’s school receives official licensing to continue its work and provide recognized education so children can pursue their studies long-term.
“These kids are the future...”
Header photo courtesy of Ahmed Akacha via Pexels.
