“We believe that education is essential for economic and social progress.”
Many Lebanese children do not attend schools for economic reasons, whether because they must work to support their families or because their families cannot afford school-related expenses. The deteriorating economic conditions in Lebanon since the Civil War and the recent ongoing economic crisis have negatively and dramatically affected gross school enrollment rates.
According to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources, the gross school enrollment rate in Lebanon stands at 60%- lower than that of countries in the region (Qatar 86% and Jordan 65%). Although only limited data is available, it is estimated that 25% of the Lebanese population lives on less than $4 per day. Moreover, the already great disparity between the rich and the poor is worsening. Many communities throughout the country are marginalized, living in poverty, relying on under-served by public services such as water and electricity, and essentially ignored by the government.
MFA’S ACTION PLAN
MFA, through its Scholarship Fund, works closely with Makassed Philanthropic Islamic Association of Beirut to provide full or partial scholarships to vulnerable students and to restore schools and classrooms. Currently, Makassed runs six schools in Beirut and seven schools in remote areas; it provides quality education to more than 9,000 enrolled students, of which 5,100 students benefit from scholarships.
As part of its commitment to supporting the education of youth in Lebanon, MFA grants University scholarship assistance to exceptional students enrolled in Universities in the USA.
We need your help to empower children and youth with the skills they need to grow and thrive in the 21st century.