You are not alone!
JECSE schools unite in hope
with colleagues in Lebanon
Do you remember what it was like when your school was closed because of the pandemic? Do you remember the isolation, the fear, the uncertainty?
Today, nearly 6,000 students and almost 700 teachers in our Jesuit schools in Lebanon are experiencing even stronger feelings of fear and uncertainty. This time it is not a virus, but an armed conflict that not only prevents them from learning and working freely, but also puts their lives in danger every day. As our Beirut students said in the video they recently posted on Facebook: “How has the situation changed these days? It is so strange. Simple and ordinary things have become difficult to achieve!“
Our JECSE network of schools is of course concerned about the fate of our colleagues in Lebanon and is uniting in prayer, sending words of support and concrete help. “Being a person for others” is not just a phrase we teach today, but a reality of action and support for our colleagues in Jesuit schools in Lebanon, especially in the Bekaa Valley. Some of them have lost loved ones, others their homes, many people have lost their jobs and struggle to meet basic needs. Everyone is living in a constant state of fear and danger, unsure of what the next hour will bring…. Our schools in Lebanon are doing all they can to provide education – on site, hybrid or online where possible. At the same time, they are providing various types of help and support for students and their families. Fr. Marek Cieślik, SJ – Rector of Jesuit schools in Lebanon, told us: “We have many emergencies to deal with. Without talking about those who died, were injured or had to leave their homes, everyone is afraid. At the same time, we are moving forward, or at least trying to move forward, literally and figuratively…”.
With many families struggling financially, providing scholarships is a top priority – otherwise many young people may not be able to continue their education. As winter approaches, schools must also find resources to heat their buildings. The list of different needs is very long …