Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Education, Abbas Halabi, announced that the academic year for public schools and vocational institutes will start on November 4, 2024. This comes after the Ministry completed preparations to allow for in-person, remote, or hybrid learning, with registration to be done electronically if needed.

The Ministry’s General Directorate of Education and Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education will detail the registration process in the coming days.

However, significant concerns linger regarding the feasibility of a smooth academic year amid the displacement of a large number of students and teachers, as well as the presence of refugees in many public schools. Private schools have been in session for over a month, raising concerns about inequality in education if the public school system cannot start or sustain its academic year.

Hussein Jawad, President of the Association for Primary Education, told the Central News Agency that the upcoming academic year will be “exceptional” with challenges across teaching methods, attendance, and online learning. Jawad highlighted that many educators had initially called for a delay or a merge of two academic years, a strategy previously used during crises. However, according to Jawad, the Ministry pushed forward with the academic year to align with private schools, which commenced classes early despite the lack of formal approval from the Ministry.

As for student registration, the Association recommended allowing students to register at their respective schools and have teachers conduct classes either online or in person. This approach would allow displaced students to choose between attending nearby schools or participating remotely, preserving the status of these institutions. Jawad highlighted the importance of maintaining these schools, noting that over 300 schools in the South, Nabatiyeh, the suburbs, and Bekaa are closed due to the conflict, and it would be a mistake to eliminate their presence.

The Association also stressed the need to secure teachers’ rights, whether they are displaced or remain at their schools. Jawad emphasized that all teachers, whether tenured, contracted, or temporary hires, must be guaranteed their full rights, even if they cannot meet the Ministry’s official registration requirements.

The Ministry of Education is expected to reveal further details of its plan soon, which was recently leaked. If the plan addresses the concerns raised over the past month, Jawad indicated that the Association might support it. However, if the concerns remain unresolved, the Association will call for a delay in implementation, noting that some teachers are determined to stay in their homes and should not be forced to relocate for registration purposes.

Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that out of the country’s 1.2 million students, 500,000 attend public schools. So far, 170,000 students have registered, compared to roughly 400,000 public school students last year, including 240,000 in primary education. With 70,000 students yet to register, Jawad highlighted the difficulty displaced families face, many of whom fled their homes without basic necessities.

For displaced students, Jawad noted that communication with their schools should remain open, adding that even if only 10% of classes are conducted online, it would be a “significant achievement.”

The Association is set to meet with Minister Halabi, with productivity compensation for teachers a top priority. Jawad reiterated the Association’s demand to double the productivity allowance to a minimum of $600 USD, warning that without adequate compensation, support from the Association would be limited. He also stated that the Ministry must bear responsibility for any failures or shortcomings in managing the school year, saying, “If they want an academic year, we want productivity—and a clear response on the future of all teachers and students, whether they are displaced or remaining in place. Ensuring their rights is crucial if the academic year is to proceed.”