Ei-iE

With generous financial contributions from Education International (EI) member organisations across the world, four EI teacher unions in Lebanon have been able to provide vital assistance to distressed and displaced unionised teachers and develop trainings to psychologically support teachers and students.

Although active warfare ceased following the 27 November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon and its education system continue to face immense challenges in recovery. The ongoing crisis has displaced thousands of people, including many teachers who have suffered profound personal and professional losses.

For years, teachers and students in Lebanon have struggled with mental health challenges, exacerbated by the Syrian refugee crisis and double shifts for teachers without pay, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut port explosion. According to the national mental health strategy, one in four people in Lebanon experiences at least one mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. Suicide rates remain a significant concern, underscoring the urgent need for interventions that promote mental well-being.

EI member organisations in Lebanon have developed a proposal under the leadership of Manal Hdaifeh, the International Secretary of the Public Primary Schools Teachers League in Lebanon and EI Executive Board member. The unions have collectively proposed the Teachers' Empowerment Initiative, aimed at providing social-emotional support and direct financial assistance to affected unionised teachers. This initiative is designed to ensure that educators can continue their crucial role in shaping the future of Lebanon’s youth despite the ongoing challenges.

Teachers and students continue to experience anxiety and stress, affecting their daily lives and the quality of teaching and learning. The initiative focuses on three key areas: in-kind support for teachers, psychosocial support training for both teachers and students, and the rebuilding and strengthening of teachers' unions. These efforts aim to foster a stable and supportive learning environment, helping educators and students process trauma and regain a sense of normalcy.

Beyond immediate support, unions will leverage the project’s outcomes to advocate for enhanced mental health services in schools and increased funding for education recovery. "This initiative is not just about providing aid; it is about ensuring the long-term well-being and resilience of Lebanon's educators and students," stated David Edwards, EI General Secretary, when the first transfer of funds to Lebanese affiliates took place in December 2024.

The project will be implemented over six months in four phases: training teacher facilitators, providing financial assistance to selected unionised teachers, conducting mental health sessions for teachers and students, and advocating for policy changes to prioritise well-being.

Through targeted interventions and collaboration with unions and local communities, the Teachers' Empowerment Initiative seeks to establish a sustainable support network for Lebanon’s education sector. The long-term integration of mental health services into the school system will ensure that educators and students have the resources they need to heal and thrive through spaces for self-expression.