Lebanon
Renovating schools in Lebanon and improving access to sanitation and hygiene
The REWASH project responds to the critical needs of students in Lebanon, who have been denied a safe and dignified school environment by the war and economic situation. Through the renovation of educational spaces, including key WASH infrastructure and the installation of solar panels, we will create an inclusive and safe environment for 4 054 vulnerable students in the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel areas. The main objective is to ensure higher hygiene standards and decent conditions of education, including for girls and pupils with special needs. Via renovation of 12 schools and hygiene training thus contributing to gender equality and mitigating environmental impacts in the region.
Baseline situation
Lebanon has faced a deep economic crisis, political instability and the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis since 2019, which has received more than 80 % of the population below the poverty line. Public schools, which have become the last resort for both Lebanese and Syrian children, are underfunded and extremely congested, especially in poor governorates Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel. School infrastructure is in poor condition - doors and working toilets are missing, roofs leak and power cuts make teaching impossible.
For adolescent girls, the absence of separate and functional toilets and clean water negatively affects attendance, exacerbating gender inequalities. The REWASH project responds to this critical situation with the aim of transforming schools from a place of insecurity to a place of a safe, dignified and stable environment for education.
Our response
The aim of the project is to ensure an inclusive, safe and dignified learning environment For 4 054 vulnerable students. To achieve this goal, we will focus on the comprehensive renovation of 12 selected schools.
The key activities and expected outcomes of the project are:
Reconstruction of the premises: 12 schools will undergo general refurbishment, including repairs to windows, doors, plastering, painting and insulation work. This will ensure a safe, functional and dignified learning environment. We will also install access ramps for students with disabilities.
WASH infrastructure: We will improve hygiene standards by upgrading WASH infrastructure in 9 schools. It will be mainly reconstruction gender-segregated toilets, installation of sinks, taps and water filters. This is crucial for promoting girls' attendance and for preventing the spread of disease.
Sustainable energy: To ensure stable operation of schools and reduce dependence on expensive fossil fuels, we will install Solar systems in 6 schools. This will also contribute to the protection of the environment.
Hygiene education: We will increase hygiene awareness and improve habits among students. We will do this through hygiene training and awareness-raising „Open Days“ for 1 000 children. Students will receive hygiene kits that include menstrual hygiene items for girls.
Partner
The project is implemented in partnership with our long-standing sister organisation Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Lebanon, with which we successfully implemented several humanitarian WASH and sustainable infrastructure projects in the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel regions.
Donor
Project SAMRS/2025/HUM/1/2 - Reconstruction of schools and improvement of WASH infrastructure for vulnerable students in Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel (abbreviated: REWASH), lasting from 1.10.2025 to 31.12.2026, is financed from Official development assistance of the Slovak Republic.
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