Lebanese schools prepare to reopen while still sheltering war-displaced families
Schools in Lebanon are scheduled to start on September 15, but many remain occupied by people displaced by Israeli strikes. A principal in the village of Froun said the school will reopen for students but will not abandon the displaced. The war has devastated southern Lebanon, leaving many areas without water or electricity.
Froun, designated as a pilot zone under the June framework, remains largely in ruins. Principal Abbas Makki confirmed the school will reopen for students on September 15 while continuing to house displaced families. The government has set the same date as a target for restoring water and electricity to the village, which currently lacks both.
The conflict escalated in March after Israeli and US strikes killed Iran's supreme leader, prompting Hezbollah's first attack in over a year. Israel's subsequent re-invasion displaced more than one million people across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's suburbs. In Froun, returnees found their homes destroyed, leading some, like Soujoud Ramadan, to operate makeshift businesses from the school shelter.
The dual use of schools as shelters and classrooms could strain educational resources and hinder learning for students, while displaced families may face prolonged uncertainty if utilities are not restored. The government's September 15 deadline for restoring water and electricity could determine whether residents can return home or remain dependent on shelters. This situation may deepen social tensions if recovery lags, potentially affecting the stability of the pilot zone framework.