News

Under the sponsorship and leadership of UNICEF and in partnership with the Disaster and Crisis Management Cell at Saida Municipality, an emergency coordination meeting for the education sector in the South and Nabatieh was held at the Saida Municipality building. The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as several local initiatives and grassroots organizations. The meeting started with welcoming and introductory remarks, followed by a presentation on the latest updates in the education sector at the national level and in the South and   Nabatieh,  including updates on the geographic coverage of educational response within shelters and the distribution of partners according to the Geo-Split plan. Participants also discussed key field observations, operational challenges, and existing gaps, especially regarding the quality and relevance of educational interventions and psychosocial support activities in shelters. Challenges affecting the continuity of learning were also addressed, including weak internet connectivity, lack of electronic devices, access difficulties, and scheduling pressures related to formal online learning. The meeting also included a discussion on work and coordination mechanisms. The interventions approved during the emergency response were aligned with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s guidelines and the standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring that activities didn’t interfere with the continuity of formal remote learning during the emergency. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening coordination with shelter administrations, the Disaster Management Room at Saida Municipality, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and partners on the ground, to ensure a more effective and quality educational response for affected children and families. The meeting wrapped up by discussing urgent priorities and the operational roadmap for the next phase, while also listening to partner feedback and daily challenges in implementation, all contributing to improving response quality and protecting children's right to education amid the ongoing crisis.