Beirut, May 5: A recent UNESCO report has sounded the alarm regarding the severe impact of escalating conflicts on the education systems across Arab nations. Over 100 million children are affected, with already fragile systems teetering on the brink of collapse.
According to the report, at least 15 countries have seen disruptions in education. School closures, limited access to learning, and reliance on online education have hindered the studies of approximately 52 million schoolchildren. Prior to this crisis, around 30 million children were already out of school in the region.
Conditions in the Gaza Strip are particularly dire. The report indicates that the education system there has nearly collapsed, with about 97.5 percent of schools either damaged or completely destroyed. More than 637,000 children are unable to attend school.
Lebanon has also been significantly affected. Over 1,100 public schools are being used as shelters, and at least 570 schools are either closed or located in conflict zones. This has disrupted the education of more than 240,000 students.
Education across the region is now operating under emergency and hybrid models (offline + online), but not all students are receiving equal access or quality education. UNESCO has noted an increase in mental stress among children, with a heightened risk of long-term educational setbacks and school dropouts.
The situation in Syria has worsened as people return from Lebanon, placing additional pressure on an already weakened education system. Many returning children urgently need schooling, but schools are either overcrowded or serving as shelters, making it difficult for them to enroll.
The impact is not limited to conflict zones. In Iraq, approximately 7,500 schools, serving 2 million students, have shifted to online learning. Meanwhile, Gulf countries have temporarily closed schools as a precaution and initiated online education.
UNESCO warns that without immediate action, the region could face long-term detrimental effects, potentially wasting an entire generation’s education.
The organization is currently ramping up emergency assistance, such as establishing temporary schools, facilitating learning through digital platforms, and providing mental support for children. Additionally, it has called for international aid to ensure that children’s education continues and to rebuild a robust education system for the future.
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