The Embassy of Italy in Beirut announced on Monday a €2 million (approx. $2,144,020) funding in support of the school rehabilitation program initiated by UNICEF.
The funding through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation is meant to create a more suitable learning environment for both students and teachers in Lebanon.
Since 2015, UNICEF, with funding from Italy, has conducted rehabilitation works in 38 public schools across Lebanon, benefiting over 22,000 students.
Additionally, 7 more schools are now under rehabilitation with the Italian Government’s support.
The new funding will help UNICEF to improve the hygiene, health, and safety standards in five additional schools that did not yet receive any support from the program.
The rehabilitation will transform these schools into making them friendly to children with disabilities, by installing ramps and making the bathrooms more accessible.
The works will also include installing and repairing doors, tiling schoolyards, painting schools, installing new glass windows, and most importantly maintaining electrical systems.
According to UNICEF, each school will first be assessed to receive energy-saving systems, including solar panels to help reduce the cost of electricity and provide a power supply throughout the scholastic year.
“Rehabilitated schools with enhanced construction and safety standards have a highly positive effect on the teaching and learning environment of children,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon.
