Unicef: 100,000 Lebanese children risk missing school next year

More than 100,000 children in Lebanon could be left without a classroom when the next academic year begins, unless urgent action is taken before September to repair and restore schools damaged in Israeli bombardments, Unicef said.

In a statement, Unicef said a comprehensive nationwide assessment conducted by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education in June found that 340 public, private and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools have been damaged, including 17 destroyed completely.

The damage spans many of the governorates most affected by the conflict, including Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon, Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut and Mount Lebanon. 

While some schools sustained minor damage, many require extensive rehabilitation or complete reconstruction before they can safely welcome students and teachers back, the statement said.

"Every day a child remains out of school, the risk of learning loss and dropping out increases," said Unicef representative in Lebanon Marcoluigi Corsi. 

"Education cannot wait for recovery to begin; it is an essential part of recovery.”

The next school year is approaching, yet at least 100,000 children in Lebanon risk having no classroom to return to.

A Ministry of Education and Higher Education assessment reveals 340 schools have been damaged, including 17 that were completely destroyed.

Behind every damaged… pic.twitter.com/3Wwv95lSu4

— UNICEF Lebanon (@UNICEFLebanon) July 2, 2026