The Palestinian community of Lebanon comprises approximately 422,000 registered refugees living in twelve official refugee camps and numerous informal gatherings, as of June 2009 (www.unrwa.org). The refugee population came to Lebanon following the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and subsequent violent conflicts in the region. In the last sixty years this community has faced many obstacles, both internal and external, that contribute to its vulnerability: political and social marginalization by the Lebanese government and population, an uncertain future within the Israeli/Palestinian peace process, political schisms within their own governing structures, and the physical realities of living in refugee camps.
Employment opportunities in the refugee camps are limited, due both to the scarcity of jobs and the lack of key skills that are required for most employment. The highly politicised environment among the Palestinian community combined with poor economic circumstances creates the potential for conflict; whether among families, neighbours or the larger community. This situation has a far reaching impact on the children and youth which in turn impacts their access and attitude to education.
Abigail Bainbridge – Project Co-Ordinator in Lebanon
Abigail Bainbridge has volunteered and worked in Lebanon for nearly six years, primarily with the Palestinian refugee community in the South. She has experience in managing projects, fundraising, conducting training in Project Cycle Management, financial systems, critical thinking, conflict resolution and strategic planning. She has recently been involved in working with a group of Palestinian refugee youth to develop their capacity to engage in community development through debate and mediation. Having volunteered with a local NGO and worked with UNRWA and the British embassy, she has experience in securing local community buy in for projects, as well as securing funding from a variety of sources. Abigail has a BA in International Development and Politics from Leeds University and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Peace and Reconciliation Studies from the University of Coventry.
UNRWA runs 75 schools in Lebanon (www.unrwa.org), through which it provides primary, preparatory and secondary education using the host Lebanese Government curriculum. It is the main education provider within the community. Due to the high percentage of the Palestinian community which is under 25 there is a significant burden on the schools. This leads to high class numbers, reduced hours of classes to accommodate more students and a reliance on teaching methods that ensure all students are able to gain an understanding of the basic concepts and knowledge required for the official exams. These circumstances severely limit the capacity and opportunity for the teachers to engage the students in activities that allow them the time and freedom for self-expression and development.
