Explosion Beirut-Support to Education Sector

Project completed

The project is a direct action to support the rehabilitation and renovation of public schools that were damaged by the 4th August blast in Beirut. The schools selected for the direct action are located in diverse neighbourhoods, with a particular focus on schools serving vulnerable populations of all nationalities and religious backgrounds (including refugees). The direct action is a contribution to the rehabilitation effort coordinated by the Ministry of education and the UN.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Lebanon
Education
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Education facilities and training
Emergency rehabilitation
Primary education
Teacher training
Education policy
01.09.2020 - 31.08.2021
CHF  3’000’000
Background 92 public schools were damaged by the 4th August blast, of which about 50 have severe or moderate damages. If these schools are not rapidly repaired, about 27’000 children will be affected in their access to education.
Objectives The overall goal is to provide access to quality education in a safe learning environment, in particular for the most vulnerable in diverse neighbourhoods heavily affected by the blast. 
Target groups The vulnerable population of the neighbourhoods that were most affected by the blast.
Medium-term outcomes The expected outcome is the rehabilitation and renovation of around 15 schools in the neighbourhoods most affected by the 4th of August blast. 
Results

Expected results:   The activities planned are construction works to rehabilitate and renovate the selected schools.


Results from previous phases:   The intervention focues on public schools. The selection of the schools was based on rapid visits of over 40 schools by the SET-team construction experts as well as the assessments undertaken by UNICEF and the Syndicate of Engineers, under the coordination of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). In addition, selection of the schools was undertaken according to the following criteria: a) level of damage and related scope of work; b) an equitable distribution amongst neighborhoods (religious and cultural); c) schools that serve vulnerable populations, in particular “double shifts”  that allow Syrian refugees or all-girl schools.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • Caritas Switzerland
  • Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit


Other partners

Local consultant architect/civil engineer

Local contractors

Coordination with other projects and actors A Letter of Intent has been signed with the Ministry of Education. This action is a contribution (ca. 15% of damaged public schools) to the joint rehabilitation effort coordinated by the MEHE and the UN under the lead of UNESCO and UNICEF. In addition to the rehabilitation of about 15 schools, a contribution to Caritas Switzerland is in the planning (additional credit) in order to support access to quality education in the neighborhoods affected by the blast and to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitation works.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    3’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    2’516’649
Project phases

Phase 1 01.09.2020 - 31.08.2021   (Completed)