Disclaimer: The post was originally written in October 2024.

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, significantly affecting the country’s most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs). As violence escalates, thousands of families are forced to flee their homes, resulting in an influx of IDPs seeking shelter and basic necessities. This precarious situation not only disrupts the lives of these individuals but also places an immense strain on the country’s education system, particularly in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

While food, shelter, and WASH have received immediate attention, education for displaced students has not been prioritized to the same extent. The lack of resources for educational initiatives threatens the future of thousands of displaced children and youth, who are at risk of falling behind academically or dropping out of school entirely. TVET education has always fell behind among the priorities of educational support initiatives in Lebanon and has always received little governmental support.  For these students, education represents not only a path to personal development but also a vital means of stability and hope amid the turbulence caused by conflict.

Many displaced families lack the means to support their children’s continued schooling. Schools and TVET Institutes, that remain operational are overwhelmed and under-resourced, lacking adequate facilities, teaching materials, and trained staff to accommodate the influx of displaced students. The families fled their houses with the bare minimum of belongings. Many of which their houses have already been destroyed and have nowhere to resort to, leaving them regardless of the projected period of the conflict, helpless, financially unstable and lost. The urgent need for funding to quickly respond to this issue is critical. Without intervention, Lebanon risks a generation of children growing up without access to formal education, which could have long-lasting repercussions on the country’s stability and economic resilience. The displaced population which composes a huge percentage of the TVET students, will not be able to sustain an academic year regardless of what the future holds without initiatives focused on alleviating the burden that comes with receiving proper education.

Education in Lebanon has long been a critical pathway for youth to gain skills and improve their livelihoods. VET institutions, which play a vital role in equipping young people with practical skills and competencies, are facing unprecedented challenges. With resources stretched thin and the number of students fluctuating due to the crisis, the continuity of quality education is at risk. Many IDP students may find themselves unable to access vocational training opportunities, which could hinder their chances of building a stable future in a country grappling with economic uncertainty.

In response to this urgent crisis, CIS College is actively working to mitigate the negative impacts of the conflict on education and support IDPs. The college has opened its doors to host displaced individuals, providing them with a safe environment amidst the attacks. To address the immediate needs of these families, CIS College welcomed partner NGOs emergency response initiatives to secure hot meals, food, and clean water, ensuring that basic necessities are met while they navigate this challenging period.

Moreover, CIS College is taking proactive steps to safeguard the educational future of IDPs by drafting concept notes and reaching out to potential donors. The institution is dedicated to securing education funds specifically aimed at supporting displaced students, enabling them to continue their studies and participate in vocational training programs. This initiative not only aims to save the school year for these students but also seeks to provide them with essential skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods in the long term.

Through its multifaceted approach, CIS College demonstrates a commitment to the resilience of both its students and the broader community. By addressing immediate needs and advocating for educational funding, the college plays a pivotal role in fostering hope and stability amidst the chaos. The path forward for Lebanon’s youth lies in education, and with dedicated efforts from institutions like CIS College, there is potential for brighter futures even in the darkest of times.