Italy And UNICEF Empower Lebanon’s Education: Solarizing Schools For A Brighter Future

In a joint effort to enhance educational infrastructure in Lebanon, the Embassy of Italy in Beirut, facilitated by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has partnered with UNICEF to support the rehabilitation and solarization of public schools. This initiative aims to create safer, more conducive learning environments for students and teachers, particularly in the most vulnerable communities across the country.

With funding from Italy, UNICEF has already completed major rehabilitation and solarization works in seven public schools, ensuring that students now attend classes in improved and safer facilities. An additional six schools are currently undergoing rehabilitation with Italy’s support.

The Director General of Education, Mr. Imad Al-Ashqar, expressed gratitude to the Italian Cooperation Agency and UNICEF for their support amidst Lebanon’s ongoing crises, emphasizing the importance of continued assistance to formal education. He commended the quality of the rehabilitation work, which has transformed schools into brighter and better learning environments.

Mr. Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director General of AICS, highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s vision for general education, with a focus on access, quality, and governance. AICS has invested approximately 58 million euros since 2017 in various pillars, including school rehabilitation, education, and protection.

The rehabilitation works will also make these schools more inclusive for children with disabilities, with the installation of ramps and improved accessibility features in bathrooms.

Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, emphasized the positive impact of rehabilitation on schools, children, and teachers, noting that improved facilities lead to better attendance rates. He expressed gratitude to Italy for its longstanding partnership with UNICEF.

Furthermore, each school will be assessed for the installation of energy-saving systems, including photovoltaic cells and solar panels, to reduce electricity costs and contribute to sustainable power supply throughout the academic year. This initiative aligns with efforts to promote renewable energy and enhance environmental sustainability in Lebanon’s public infrastructure.