Lebanon: “La Salle for Beirut” Appeal will provide educational support to students.

The Solidarity and Development Secretariat of the De La Salle Christian Brothers launched a worldwide appeal to assist students at three Lasallian schools affected by the explosions in Beirut. 

August 4, 2020, was a day of horror for the residents of Beirut.  A devastating explosion, hyper-fueled by the combustion of very large ammonium nitrate stockpiles, exploded violently in the city’s seaport, injuring more than 6,500 people. The explosion, which the United States Geological Survey detected as a seismic event of magnitude 3.3, was heard in Cyprus, more than 160 miles away.  It was considered as one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history.  The Provincialate and three Lasallian schools in the city center — Collège Notre Dame, Ècole Saint Vincent de Paul, and Collège Sacré-Cœur – Frères Gemmayzé — were severely damaged. The latter school, closer to the port, suffered the greatest impact.

Emergency funding from friends, foundations, and alumni to restore our operations was extraordinarily impressive.  As of mid-February 2021, the Lasallian solidarity network, which includes contributions from La Salle International, was able to raise $1,806,678.97 in support.  These funds went to the reconstruction of the three blast-affected schools and provided emergency humanitarian support to Lebanon citizens, as well.

Currently, a few minor repairs remain, but the schools are almost fully functional.  As part of the national program for evaluating student performance, our students were able to sit for their national exams in the newly renovated classrooms.  

Many families who send their children to schools are experiencing severe financial challenges.  For some families, repairs to their houses demand their financial resources. For other families, their source of income has been lost due to businesses closing and workers being laid off.

To help ease the burden of these impoverished families, a student scholarship fund is being established. 

Update

The funds from this appeal helped support Lasallian students attending the three Lasallian schools. It also helped school restoration and provided scholarship support for the neediest students.