STATS FROM 2024
Education
3
new preschools
built in Palestine
9,059
young people in Lebanon provided with skills and job opportunities
208
young students in three Jordan refugee camps gained access to computer labs
ABOUT
Unlocking Potential
Education has the power to transform lives, building the foundation for a brighter future. But poverty and conflict can make it difficult to access quality education in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.
High levels of stress and anxiety negatively affect the healthy growth and development of young people. In Gaza, the war of 2023-2025 devastated the education system—damaging or destroying schools, displacing students and teachers, and halting regular instruction. Even before the conflict, many classrooms were overcrowded and run-down, with outdated materials that made it difficult for students to keep pace with their peers.
In Lebanon, the influx of Syrian refugees over the past decade-plus, combined with the country’s deepening economic crisis, has severely strained the education system. Today, the added burden of intermittent warfare between Israel and Hezbollah has further disrupted education.
Educational aid programs are a cornerstone of Anera's development efforts. In Palestine, Lebanon ad Jordan, we work with communities to provide flexible, resilient educational opportunities that foster knowledge, well-being, and the tools needed to build a more secure future. Education is essential — not just for personal growth, but for rebuilding and empowering entire communities.
With your help, Anera is giving people in the Middle East access to learning through early childhood education, non-formal basic education, school infrastructure, after-school programming and vocational education. Anera helps people of all ages discover their potential—even in the midst of crisis.
Transforming early childhood in Palestine
Anera upgrades preschools, trains teachers, supports caregivers and nurtures a love of reading.
Bridging gaps for out-of-school youth
In Lebanon, Anera provides flexible classes in Arabic, English, math and vocational training.
Your support
means everything to young people
Actress Yasmine Al Massri, a dedicated longtime supporter of Anera, recently toured Anera's education projects and programs in the West Bank of Palestine alongside Anera Education Program Director Sulieman Mleahat.
PROJECTS
Our Priorities
Early Childhood Development
Only one-third of four- and five-year-olds participate in education programs in Palestine. In addition to the many challenges that Palestinian children face, they are also missing out on some of the most fundamental educational years. That’s why Anera established the Right Start program, which supports West Bank and Gaza preschools and community organizations. The Right Start program doesn’t only educate preschoolers — it also gives teachers and parents the tools they need to ensure a healthy future for their children.
Non-Formal Education
More than half of refugees in Lebanon camps are under age 18. However, refugee camps usually don’t have safe places where children can learn. With widespread poverty among refugees, teenagers and young adults feel forced to work to support their families.
For refugees, a traditional education may not be the most beneficial — the subjects and lessons that apply to one person may not be useful for the next. Since everyone deserves to learn how to tell their unique stories and solve problems throughout their lives, Anera provides non-formal refugee education support that adjusts to each child’s situation.
Job Skills Training
Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon have high unemployment levels and few sources of vocational training. This causes refugees and non-refugees alike to struggle in a job market that requires skills they haven’t learned. Anera provides scholarships, teaches non-formal skills courses and supports local institutions to give job-seekers in-demand knowledge.
Building and Equipping Schools
Unfortunately, many Palestinian schools don’t have the resources they need for students to learn and succeed. Amenities like running water, reading materials and science equipment are in high demand. Learners of all ages, whether they’re in preschool or university, deserve to get an education safely and comfortably. That’s why your contributions enabled us to renovate three Palestinian secondary schools in 2017.
Art, Music and Culture
A curriculum that includes lessons in art, music and culture can help young students grow and give older students an emotional outlet — education is not only about math, science and language. Many refugees and disadvantaged youth have restricted opportunities for cultural activities, making it even more crucial to include these subjects in their education experience. Anera organizes several arts and culture programs in the community, funds music education and trains teachers to integrate art into their lesson plans.
Psychosocial Support
Children living through the conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon have an increased risk of psychological trauma and mental illness. When trauma happens at a young age, the consequences can impact someone’s growth and development. Anera hosts sports and arts activities that let youth express their feelings in a safe space. Some people may need medical attention to resolve a mental illness as well — such as prescription medication and professional counseling or therapy sessions. Anera also provides refugees with the opportunity to relieve conditions like anxiety and depression.