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Education International continues to stand with its Lebanese affiliates, not only in moments of crisis but in the long journey of union rebuilding and renewal. Throughout the year, EI member organisations from 16 countries responded generously to the Urgent Action Appeal (UAA) launched by EI in October 2024 to support its affiliates in Lebanon. This solidarity comes at a critical time, as teacher unions across the country continue to grapple with the compounded effects of regional war and economic collapse.

“Together, we are restoring union spaces of hope, dignity, and collective strength, and reaffirming our shared commitment to unions’ strength and independence,” said David Edwards, EI General Secretary.

Over the past year, many union premises in Lebanon were repurposed to meet urgent humanitarian needs, including hosting displaced families and refugees. These acts of compassion reflect the deep social commitment of Lebanon’s teacher unions. However, they also left offices damaged and essential equipment unusable. In other cases, union facilities were directly impacted by conflict or deteriorated due to the country’s prolonged economic crisis. Today, unions face the urgent task of rehabilitating their headquarters to resume vital services such as member meetings, training programs, administrative support, and advocacy work.

“The goal of this continued coordinated support is not merely to repair buildings, but to restore the capacity of unions to serve their members, advocate for educators’ rights, and defend quality public education. Union offices are more than physical spaces, they are the heart of collective action, professional development, and democratic engagement,” said Manal Hdaife, of the Primary Teachers Union (PPSTLL) and Chair of EI’s Arab Countries Cross-Unit Structure.

The restoration needs presented by the five EI affiliates in Lebanon vary in scope, but they share common priorities: repairing structural damage, electrical maintenance, replacing damaged or outdated equipment, and acquiring basic IT infrastructure to reconnect with members and partners. Several unions also emphasized the need to reestablish internet access, printing and photocopying capabilities to ensure safe and functional workspaces.

In a message from the newly elected committee of the Association of Vocational and Technical Education Teachers (CETO), the union highlighted the financial strain they face: “Our association relies solely on teachers’ subscriptions for income. Given the difficult economic and living conditions, and the war that Lebanon has experienced, many members have been unable to pay their dues. Subscription levels remain very low, while the cost of living continues to rise.”

Despite these challenges, what unites all the affiliates is a shared message of resilience and gratitude. Each organisation has expressed heartfelt appreciation for EI’s solidarity and the support of its global membership. This assistance is more than financial: it is a reaffirmation of the values that bind the international education union movement: solidarity, mutual support, democratic engagement, and the unwavering belief in the power of collective union action.

With this renewed support, Lebanon’s teacher unions are not only rebuilding their physical spaces, but they are also reclaiming their role as strong, independent institutions ready to defend educators’ rights and contribute to the broader struggle for social justice and educational equity.