Empowering Lebanon’s Next Generation of Nurses
by Anera
Posted in: Newsletter, Programs
Lebanon’s healthcare system is under immense strain, with a shortage of supplies, outdated infrastructure, and an increasing number of professionals leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. In the face of these challenges, passionate young nurses are stepping up to meet the need. Anera’s nursing scholarships make this possible, offering financial support to students who otherwise could not afford to pursue their education.
Since 2013, Anera has helped 65 young Lebanese and Palestinian men and women complete their technical nursing studies. Most graduates have already secured jobs, proving that investing in education is investing in Lebanon’s future.
In recent years, Anera, with the support of Alfred and Dina Khoury, expanded its impact through the Nurses For Lebanon program, providing scholarships for university students pursuing nursing degrees. So far, 13 students have enrolled—two have already graduated (with high GPAs!), while seven are set to graduate in 2025, and the rest in 2026 and 2027.
Behind every number, there’s a real person…
Meet Hassan | “My late mother was always my role model,” says 17-year-old Hassan El Shami. “She was an exceptional nurse, and I used to accompany her to work. I was deeply moved by how she cared for patients and contributed to their recovery. I always dreamed of following in her footsteps, but I had no idea how I would continue my education without this scholarship.”
Meet Adnan | For many, financial hardship stood in the way of their dreams. Adnan Al Ahmad, 22, recalls, “I couldn’t complete my academic education because I didn’t have the funds. When I heard about this nursing scholarship, I applied immediately. Today, after three years of study, I am determined to finish my education and pursue my dream in nursing.”
Meet Abdelaziz | Abdelaziz Nabil Al Hassan, 20, was inspired to become a nurse after caring for his father during his battle with COVID-19. “When my father passed away, I became responsible for my family and had to leave school. This scholarship gave me a second chance — not just at education, but at fulfilling my calling.”
Meet Maryam | The program isn’t just shaping careers — it’s strengthening Lebanon’s entire healthcare system. Maryam Dahaini, 19, always dreamed of working in a hospital. “When I heard about this scholarship, I didn’t hesitate. Today, I’m among the top students in my class, and this opportunity has changed my life.”
Meet Ruquayya | At just 16, Ruqayya Ibrahim took a leap into vocational education. “No one encouraged me to study nursing, but after seeing the dedication of nurses during the COVID-19 crisis, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Without this scholarship, I don’t know if I would have been able to continue my education.”
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need, ensuring that those with the most potential but limited resources receive the support they deserve. This support is especially critical as Lebanon faces a growing shortage of experienced nurses.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 19 students continued their education, with three graduating in June 2024. The students, predominantly female and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, are a testament to the program’s transformative impact. For the 2024-2025 academic year, nine students will continue under the full scholarship program and three new students will be selected in September 2025 through a rigorous selection process.
Most graduates have found training opportunities and are now employed in renowned hospitals across Lebanon, reinforcing the country’s healthcare workforce. These young nurses will contribute to the Lebanese healthcare system for decades to come, filling critical gaps in an ever-challenged sector.
Anera’s nursing scholarships offer more than just financial support — they open doors to opportunity and help build a healthier Lebanon. A full three-year tuition for a nursing scholarship at a vocational institute costs $5,500.
Learn how you can support this important work:
Contact Skylar Lawrence at [email protected] or 1-202-266-9729