Conclusion

This chapter addresses and summarises the multifaceted crises Lebanon has faced over the past decade with reference to the education system, culminating in a devastating balance-sheet crisis described by the World Bank as the worst since the 1850s. Over the past decade, various shocks—including the Syrian refugee influx, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the catastrophic Port of Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020—have exacerbated Lebanon’s socio-economic challenges, including a significant deterioration of its education system. Amidst the ongoing turmoil, Lebanon’s public education system is under immense strain, witnessing an influx of students from private schools as families seek refuge from economic instability and rising education fees. The societal impact of this crisis has been profound, with rising unemployment, deteriorating basic services, and increasing poverty levels contributing to a climate of desperation. Young people are particularly affected, with many dropping out of education to take on low-wage jobs, which has detrimental implications for their long-term prospects. The lack of access to quality education has led to significant educational gaps, with students lagging behind international standards in key subjects. Recommendations to turn this situation around include the establishment of a comprehensive macro-financial stability strategy, prioritisation of education funding for marginalised populations, and the development of a modern curriculum aimed at improving learning outcomes. The path to recovery is fraught with challenges, including the need for a new social compact that transcends sectarian divides and offers a vision for a more unified future. As Lebanon grapples with the legacies of corruption and mismanagement, the call for political reform is louder than ever, with many citizens demanding accountability and a departure from the entrenched sectarian political system. The resilience of the Lebanese people shines through their protests, underscoring a collective desire for change amid overwhelming adversity. The chapter not only summarises the deteriorating socio-economic conditions, marked by a dramatic drop in GDP, soaring inflation, and increasing unemployment, pushing more than half the population below the poverty line, it also highlights the underlying resilience of the Lebanese people.