Education
Academic year
October – June (for primary to post-secondary education levels)
Project implementation
The small country of Lebanon hosts more than 1 million Syrian refugees, more than half of whom are children, often called the “lost generation”. In their flight from war at home, these children have missed years of schooling, and some have never had access to an education. Organizations on the ground trying to provide these children with an informal education need to be creative, because permanent infrastructures for refugees are forbidden. Due to poverty and harsh living conditions, these Syrian children often work in the fields to help provide for their families.
To support these students, the Acronis Cyber Foundation partnered with German NGO Zeltschule e.V. on the construction of a dependable school that doesn’t break regulations. The school is comprised of large, stable tents, and gives more than 250 children the opportunity to learn and grow.
Students are schooled in two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. To ensure class attendance, each student family receives food packages, so they won’t need to rely on their children’s salaries for survival. In 2021, Acronis supported the school by donating 12 computers so that children can attend online classes through state schools, in order to qualify for entrance to universities.
News from the project
About the country
Country
The Lebanese Republic
Capital city
Beirut
Population
6.8 million people
Currency
Lebanese pound (LBP)
Major languages
Arabic, Syrian
Travel information
Lebanon has a moderate Mediterranean climate. In coastal areas, winters are generally cool and rainy whilst summers are hot and humid. In more elevated areas, temperatures usually drop below freezing during the winter with heavy snow cover that remains until early summer on the higher mountaintops. Although most of Lebanon receives a relatively large amount of rainfall, the weather in Bar Elias is known for its dryness. It’s rarely humid or raining in Bar Elias in the summer. The summers are very warm, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). The winters are rather cold, also characterized by heavy snows.
Travel tips
Hotel recommendations
Bar Elias: Layali Al Shams Hotel, Delora Hotel and Suites
Beirut: Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Beirut, Hilton Beirut Downtown, Radisson Blu Martinez Beirut, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
Beit ed-Dine: BEYt el Jabal, Deir al Oumara
Places to eat
Bar Elias: Al Shams Restaurant in Anjar, Amaleen Restaurant, Lakkis Farm Lebanon fast food
Beirut: History Bar, Café Em Nazih, Enab Restaurant, Bay Rock Cafe
Beit ed-Dine: Beit el Jabal Restaurant, Ghandour Fadoul Saj, New Garbatella Restaurant
Sidon: Saida Rest House Restaurant, Zawat Restaurant
Best souvenirs from the country
Books by local authors, Sarah’s Bag, sweets, roasted nuts, coffee and accessories, Rana Salam’s home decoration items, wood carvings, artisanal clothing, Art 7ake merchandise, wine
Taxi
Beirut: Charlie taxi
Bar Elias: Bekaa taxi
Beit ed-Dine: Farhat travel +961 76 456 729
Car rent in Beirut: Advanced Car Rental , Budget
Travel agencies
Interpreting services
Proposed one week tour
Day 1: Zaitunay Bay and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in Beirut, Raouche Rocks
Day 2: Jeita Grotto
Day 3: Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, arrival to Bar Elias
Day 4: School visit
Day 5: Anjar tour, Château Ksara
Day 6: Trip to Moussa Castle, Beit ed-Dine town tour (Al Mir Casem Castle, Saydet Al Talle Church, Prophet Elijah Greek Melkite Church)
Day 7: Jezzine Waterfall, Tourist Landmark of the Resistance, Sidon Sea Castle, return to Beirut