Italy, through its Embassy in Beirut and facilitated by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has collaborated with UNICEF to improve educational facilities in Lebanon. This joint effort focuses on rehabilitating and solarizing public schools to create safer and more conducive learning environments, particularly in vulnerable communities.
With Italian funding, UNICEF has already renovated and solarized seven public schools, ensuring improved facilities for students and teachers. Additionally, six more schools are currently undergoing similar renovations with Italy's support.
Imad Al-Ashqar, the Director General of Education, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Italian Cooperation Agency and UNICEF, emphasizing the crucial role of continued support in Lebanon's education sector. He commended the quality of the rehabilitation work, which has significantly enhanced the learning environment in schools.
Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director General of AICS, highlighted the agency's dedication to supporting Lebanon's education goals, particularly in terms of accessibility, quality, and governance. AICS has invested around 58 million euros since 2017 in various educational initiatives, including school rehabilitation and protection measures for children, with a focus on inclusivity for those with disabilities.
Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, emphasized the positive outcomes of school rehabilitation, such as increased attendance rates for students and improved working conditions for teachers. He thanked Italy for its ongoing partnership with UNICEF.
Furthermore, each school will undergo evaluations for the installation of energy-efficient systems like photovoltaic cells and solar panels, aiming to reduce electricity costs and promote sustainable energy usage. This aligns with Lebanon's efforts to embrace renewable energy sources and improve environmental sustainability in public infrastructure.
