Pathways Plus: A second chance to learn through TVET in Lebanon
Developed by UNICEF in partnership with the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education and funded by the Government of the Netherlands, Pathways Plus offers out-of-school adolescents and youth a certified route back to formal education
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Following the strain on Lebanon’s education system since 2019 and the disruptions of the 2024–2025 school year, ensuring that no child or young person is left behind has become more urgent than ever for the TVET directorate and UNICEF. In this context, flexible education pathways are essential to give vulnerable adolescents and youth a second chance to learn.
UNICEF, in partnership with the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education and with the funding of the Government of the Netherlands, has developed Pathways Plus; a TVET Multiple Flexible Pathway Programme. The programme offers a flexible and inclusive route for out-of-school adolescents and youth to return to formal education learning through the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
Designed for adolescents aged 12 to 16 who have dropped out of education after Grade 5 or 6 level, or who need an alternative pathway to continue learning; young people can return to formal TVET education and access a certified pathway toward future learning and employment opportunities while gaining practical and competency-based skills. Upon successful completion, learners receive a certificate issued by TVET Directorate, allowing them to re-enroll in formal TVET programmes in Lebanon or any other country.
In its pilot, the programme supported 225 out-of-school adolescents and youth across five public TVET schools, marking an important step towards re-enrolment back into formal TVET education and expanding access to flexible, certified and recognized education pathways in Lebanon. The enrollment criteria ensures at least 40 per cent of participants are girls, with priority given to vulnerable, low-income and marginalized youth residing in areas most affected by socio-economic challenges.
The programme also strengthened the wider TVET system by modernizing TVET curricula, equipping TVET schools with raw materials and consumables, and enhancing teachers’ skills to deliver quality, learner-centered education.
As part of this effort, and together with private sector representatives, 14 MEHE TVET content developers contributed to the development of a learning package that includes four modernized technical curricula: Assistant Cook, Assistant Carpenter, Assistant Electrician, and Assistant Clerk. The package also includes six general subjects: Arabic, French, English, Mathematics, Science and ICT.
Supporting teachers has been equally important. UNICEF trained 43 TVET teachers on the six modernized general subjects and AI, digital skills and modernized learning methodologies.
To further strengthen practical learning, 16 TVET labs were equipped with tools and raw materials, helping ensure that young people can gain hands-on skills aligned with labor market needs.
During the 2026 academic year, the pilot was implemented in five public TVET schools across Lebanon through 79 TVET teachers, with plans for a nationwide expansion in public and private TVET schools in the coming academic year.
By offering a flexible, certified and recognized pathway back to education, Pathways Plus helps vulnerable young people stay in learning, gain practical skills, and rebuild confidence in their future.
