Lebanon schools reopen on September 15 while sheltering war‑displaced families

Schools across Lebanon are slated to resume classes on September 15, marking the start of the new academic year for roughly 1.5 million students. The Ministry of Education has confirmed the schedule, emphasizing that the reopening will follow standard protocols for safety and curriculum delivery. However, a significant number of school buildings remain occupied as temporary shelters for families displaced by the ongoing Israel‑Hamas conflict, which has pushed thousands of refugees across the Lebanese border since the hostilities escalated in early October.

The dual use of school facilities presents logistical challenges for educators and humanitarian agencies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and local NGOs report that many classrooms are still housing displaced households, limiting the availability of space for teaching and complicating efforts to maintain regular attendance. Authorities are coordinating with relief groups to identify alternative accommodation for displaced persons, aiming to clear schools in time for the September start while ensuring that shelter needs are met. The Ministry has indicated that any remaining obstacles will be addressed through phased evacuations and the deployment of additional resources to both education and humanitarian sectors.

As the September start date approaches, Lebanese officials are balancing the imperative of resuming education with the urgent requirement to provide safe shelter for those affected by the conflict. Successful clearance of schools will allow the education system to operate at full capacity, while continued support for displaced families remains a priority for both national and international partners.