Lebanon is going through a tough economic situation. This financial deterioration is affecting all businesses and industries in the country and many institutions are suffering the dire consequences.
The American University of Beirut (AUB) hasn’t been spared by the national crisis that has propelled it under its worst financial struggle ever.
AUB survived the Lebanese Civil War, but now faces the threats of salary cuts, layoffs, and potentially closing departments, according to AUB president Dr. Fadlo Khuri.
Students took to Twitter, pleading authorities to “save AUB” and The Washington Post joined in with its powerful media voice to call on the U.S. government to step in and help.
Fortunately, their wish has been granted.
In support of AUB and also the Lebanese American University (LAU), the US State Department just donated $20 million to both universities to cover students’ fees.
This donation came as an “emergency tuition support” to cover half the tuition for 1,800 students in Lebanon, under the Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program.
This program helps the Middle East and North Africa students by providing them with 4-year university scholarships that cover insurance, tuition, housing, and more.
