The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (Kuwait Fund) supports UNICEF to improve learning for children and youth in Lebanon

Kuwait, Beirut, 20 March 2025 - UNICEF and The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (Kuwait Fund) signed a US$2 million agreement to rehabilitate public school infrastructure in Lebanon. This initiative aims to create safer and more inclusive learning environments, ensuring that children and youth across the country have improved access to education and learning opportunities.

This infrastructure improvement will focus on rehabilitating and upgrading water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities including washrooms. The project will also enhance overall building conditions by repairing fences, stairways, windows and security gates while ensuring safety in playgrounds. To promote inclusivity for children with disabilities, the improvements will include the installation of ramps and the reduction of architectural barriers wherever possible, making schools more accessible to all students.

“While Lebanon is experiencing one of the worst crises in the Middle East and North Africa region coupled with a severe and prolonged economic depression, public schools are struggling with critical challenges including structural damage and safety concerns.” Said Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF Representative to the Gulf Area.

“With this generous support from Kuwait Fund, UNICEF will rehabilitate three public schools benefiting around 1,000 students between 3 to 18 years old. This initiative will help ensure learning continuity and improve the quality of education, giving children the opportunity to thrive despite the ongoing challenges” he continues.

Additionally, given the electricity and economic crisis that is severely impacting the country and in line with UNICEF ongoing in efforts to increase access to solar power in the education sector, the schools will be equipped with solar energy to make the school more accessible and help reduce the carbon footprint and harmful air pollution fostering a healthier environment. The integration of solar energy supply aligns with UNICEF’s Lebanon 2024-2030 sustainability and climate change strategy.

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