2021 STATS
Education
1,357
vocational students employed in Lebanon — using their new job skills to improve their communities.
3
new preschools constructed in underserved West Bank Palestinian communities.
32
young Palestinians in Gaza graduated from our intensive coding academy, preparing them for developer jobs.
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 and Lebanon.
High levels of stress and anxiety negatively affect the healthy growth and development of young people. In Palestine, run-down and overcrowded classrooms are not suited for learning and outdated materials make it difficult for students to keep up with their peers.
In Lebanon, the influx of 1.5 million Syrian refugees over the last decade has put a strain on the country’s entire education system. With the current economic crisis in Lebanon, the education sector has been hit even harder. Palestinian and Syrian youth drop out of school at an alarming rate, while others have never been enrolled.
Educational aid programs are a cornerstone of Anera's development efforts. We strive to help communities in Palestine and Lebanon by using educational services to foster knowledge, growth, security, good health and the vision to work toward a brighter future. Education is the key to personal and community empowerment.
With your help, Anera is giving people in the Middle East access to learning opportunities from preschool through college. Innovative and flexible projects in early childhood education, non-formal basic education, school infrastructure, information technology, after-school programming and vocational education are helping people of all ages discover their potential.
Palestinian children
deserve a bright future
Anera helps Palestinian kids pursue their dreams, from preschool through university.
Syrian teens
are NOT part of a lost generation
Your support
means everything to young people
In partnership with Arizona State University, Anera's English language courses are expanding opportunities for young people in Lebanon. Let's hear from a few of the students!
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.
