SCHOOL OF HOPE JBEIL PROGRAM IN LEBANON
GUIDED BY LIGHT RENEWED BY HOPE!
School of Hope restores hope to Syrian refugee children through learning, care, and the love of Christ – guiding children from loss toward growth, dignity, and a brighter future.
Program Overview
School of Hope is a non-formal, faith-based learning program in Jbeil (Byblos), Lebanon — a historic Christian city with an emerging refugee community — restoring hope to Syrian refugee children through education, personal growth, and the love of Christ. Launched on May 12, 2026, the program currently serves 23 children ages 6–10, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children who have experienced displacement, loss, and hardship.
Students are taught core subjects including math, Arabic, and English, while being cared for by Christian staff who tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ through daily support, encouragement, and discipleship. Delivered in partnership with Arise International, School of Hope combines refugee education expertise with holistic family support, including skills training for mothers and income-generating opportunities that strengthen widows and vulnerable families as a whole.
Why School of Hope Exists
School of Hope is a pre-K–8 program serving Syrian refugee children who would otherwise have no access to education, combining a formal curriculum with Bible teaching. School of Hope was created to provide a Christ-centered education for these children—most from Muslim backgrounds, many having missed years of schooling.
For these families, education represents far more than academics; it is a pathway toward stability, dignity, and a different future. Children like Nabihi — a young girl unable to attend school because of financial and legal barriers — represent thousands longing for a safe place to learn and belong. Through the generosity of donors, School of Hope provides education, care, and the hope every child deserves.
Restoring What Was Taken
In Lebanon, thousands of Syrian refugee children are growing up without access to education, safe play, or stability. Nearly half of the country’s 1.5 million Syrian refugees are children, many facing barriers that prevent them from attending school and living safely.
More than 300,000 Syrian refugee kids in Lebanon have little or no access to formal education. Local schools are full, and refugees are much less likely to be accepted. Without education, their opportunities are severely limited.
Sponsor a Child Through the School of Hope program – Restore Education, Dignity, and Hope
Your gift of $75 per month provides a refugee child with education, school supplies, healthy snacks, and the opportunity to hear about Jesus. More than 20 children attend School of Hope, but only half are currently sponsored. Sponsors receive a child’s photo, updates, and the opportunity to send occasional cards or small gifts of encouragement.
Learning, Growth, and Lasting Hope
The School of Hope Program provides holistic support to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon, nurturing their minds, hearts, and futures. Through education, life skills, emotional care, and faith-based encouragement, we create a pathway from instability to hope and long-term resilience.
Literacy & Numeracy Foundations
Personalised Arabic, English, and math support for children who have fallen behind or never had the opportunity to attend school.
Life Skills & Healthy Habits
Practical lessons in hygiene, nutrition, and daily routines that build confidence, independence, and wellbeing.
Emotional Growth & Resilience
Safe, guided activities that help children process trauma, regulate emotions, and rebuild trust through structured play and group interaction.
Creative Expression & Social Development
Art, storytelling, music, and collaborative activities that encourage imagination, friendship, and healthy social connection
Faith & Spiritual Encouragement
Compassionate teaching, Bible stories, and Christian values that introduce children to the love, hope, and dignity found in Christ
A Safe & Nurturing Environment
A consistent, faith-based learning space where every child feels seen, valued, protected, and supported toward long-term growth.
Family & Community Engagement
Occasional workshops and parent involvement opportunities that strengthen learning and emotional support at home.
Individual Learning Pathways
Tailored support that recognises each child’s starting point, pace, and personal needs, ensuring no child is overlooked.
Hope for the Future
Long-term guidance that helps children rediscover purpose, build confidence, and envision a future beyond displacement.
The Change We Hope to See
They study Math, Arabic, English, and Science, while also attending daily chapel and prayer times. All this takes place in a safe environment, where they are cared for by Christian teachers who love them. By combining learning, emotional support, and the hope of Christ, the School of Hope seeks to restore not only education but also dignity and the belief in a brighter future.
In a generation marked by loss and persecution, we believe God can raise up children who shine with resilience, wisdom, and hope—children who will one day rebuild their communities.
A Sustainable and Scalable Model
The School of Hope Program is intentionally designed for responsible growth without compromising quality or care. By combining structured curriculum, trained facilitators, and trusted local partnerships, the program can expand into new communities while maintaining consistency, accountability, and deep relational impact.
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Replicable Framework: Adaptable curriculum and mentorship model.
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Trained Facilitators: Standardised, trauma-aware training.
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Strong Partnerships: Collaboration with local churches and community organisations.
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Long-Term Impact: A model designed to reach more children over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the School of Hope Jbeil Program?
School of Hope Jbeil is a faith-based, non-formal education program serving Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. It provides literacy, numeracy, life skills, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement in a safe learning environment where children can rediscover hope and dignity.
Why is this program needed?
Over 400,000 Syrian refugee children in Lebanon are currently out of school. Many face poverty, legal barriers, child labor, and social isolation. Without access to formal education, children risk falling further behind academically and emotionally. Light and Life provides a critical bridge where formal schooling is inaccessible.
What does the program include?
Children receive tailored literacy and math instruction, life skills training (such as hygiene and nutrition), emotional resilience support, creative activities, and Bible-based encouragement. The program combines academic growth with social, emotional, and spiritual development.
How is School of Hope Jbeil different from formal schooling?
School of Hope Jbeil operates as a non-formal learning center. This allows flexibility to meet each child at their current ability level, especially those who have missed years of education. The environment is smaller, relational, trauma-aware, and faith-integrated, providing holistic support beyond academics alone.
Who can participate in the program?
Families submit applications, and children are selected based on vulnerability factors such as being out of school, low literacy levels, economic hardship, or exposure to unsafe environments. Priority is given to the most vulnerable children to ensure equitable access.
How does faith play a role in the program?
The program is rooted in Christian values and shares the love and hope of Christ through compassionate teaching and Bible storytelling. Participation is offered in a safe, respectful environment without pressure, recognizing the sensitive context many refugee families face.
How can I support a child in the program?
For $200 per month, a sponsor can fully support one child’s participation. This covers tuition, transportation, learning materials, creative supplies, and nutritious snacks. Sponsorship creates direct, tangible impact by giving a child education, emotional support, and renewed hope for the future.