Consultative Meeting for School Principals in Nabatiyeh: Addressing Challenges to Resuming the Academic Year
Date: 20 December 2024
Under the invitation of the Educational Region in Nabatiyeh Province, a consultative educational meeting was held at “Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah Official High School” in Nabatiyeh City. The meeting aimed to discuss the challenges and difficulties faced by public and private school administrations in resuming the academic year following the Israeli aggression, which caused total destruction or partial damage to school buildings. The discussions also addressed the direct and indirect impacts on students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the meeting explored ways to ensure education continuity for students displaced from the front-line region, where Israeli forces still prevent residents from returning, leaving schools closed or destroyed.
Participants in the Meeting
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including the president of the Hariri Foundation, Mrs. Bahia Hariri; Director-General of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), Mr. Imad Al-Ashqar, and the Head of the Educational Region in Nabatiyeh, Mr. Akram Abu Shaqra. Other attendees included representatives of MPs Hani Qobeisi and Nasser Jaber, along with educational and administrative officials, school principals, and representatives from “Nabatiyeh, Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Hasbaya.”
Opening Remarks
The meeting began with the Lebanese national anthem and a minute of silence in tribute to the martyrs of the educational community—principals, teachers, and students. Mr. Abbas Chmeissani, Principal of Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah High School, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the resilience of the southern population, stating, “Though the enemy’s aggression turned Nabatiyeh into a devastated city, our determination will rebuild it.”
Key Discussions
Ms. Bahia Hariri lauded the efforts of the educational community and emphasized the importance of finding solutions to ensure the continuation of education amid the challenges caused by the aggression. “Our children are the future, and we must think of ways to overcome educational obstacles while preparing them for a world transformed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and communication revolutions,” she said.
Mr. Imad Al-Ashqar highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to supporting schools and their administration, despite the difficult circumstances. He reassured attendees that the Ministry is working on solutions for the unique challenges posed by displaced populations and damaged schools.
Mr. Akram Abu Shaqra announced that 57 schools in the province had resumed in-person learning and projected that 90% of schools would return to physical attendance after the new year, except for those in inaccessible areas.
Challenges Raised by School Principals
Several school principals shared pressing issues, including:
- Extending deadlines for submitting school rosters.
- Addressing delays in compensation fund payments for private school teachers.
- Concerns over unpaid salaries and parents’ inability to pay tuition due to war-related hardships.
- Requests for exemptions or reductions in registration fees for public high school students.
- Solutions for displaced students from closed or destroyed schools, including temporary enrollment in nearby schools.
- Provision of textbooks for public school students.
- Shortages in teaching staff and reliance on shared or part-time teachers.
Resolutions and Next Steps
Mr. Imad Al-Ashqar addressed many of these concerns, confirming the extension of deadlines for public and private school rosters and registration periods. He announced that budgets would be reviewed in February 2025 and that special considerations would be given to schools in border areas and those affected by war.
Regarding displaced students, he affirmed that their enrollment would remain tied to their original schools while allowing temporary attendance elsewhere. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to distribute printed textbooks after finalizing student numbers.
The meeting concluded with a decision to submit a comprehensive report of the concerns raised and recommendations to the Ministry for follow-up and implementation.
This gathering underscored the collective determination to rebuild and prioritize education as the cornerstone of recovery and resilience.