A Backpack of Hope: Transforming Education in Lebanon

In Wata Al-Khiyam, South Lebanon, Hanan Ar-Rajab returned after being displaced by war, only to find her home reduced to rubble. With nowhere else to go, she pitched a small tent for her five children and began constructing a modest shelter to withstand the coming winter. 

For Hanan, the new school year brought yet another challenge: providing her school-aged children with the supplies they needed. Damaged roads prevented the school bus from reaching their area, forcing the children to walk long distances carrying worn-out bags. The financial strain was overwhelming, and the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on her family. 

Zakat Foundation of America’s Education program provided the support Hanan, and her children needed when all hope was lost. Through the School Bags Distribution project, Hanan’s children received school bags filled with essential supplies, including stationery, notebooks, pencils, and more.  

A total of 467 school bags with stationery were distributed to students from kindergarten to 9^th grade in Wata Al-Khiyam, Wazzani, Marjayoun, and Saida, including local families, Palestinian refugees, and orphaned children.  

For Hanan’s children, receiving these school bags meant more than having supplies. They felt seen, valued, and supported, despite displacement and hardship. 

Lebanon continues to face an economic and humanitarian crisis. Families struggle to provide necessities, and education can easily fall by the wayside. The School Bags Distribution project directly relieves financial pressure on parents, while ensuring children can pursue their studies with dignity and motivation. 

Education is more than learning; it is a lifeline, a pathway out of poverty, and a beacon of hope for families facing adversity. With continued support, Zakat Foundation of American can reach more children, alleviate financial burdens for families, and empower communities across Lebanon to rebuild and thrive. 

Hanan’s story is a reminder: when we equip children with the tools to learn, we give them more than a backpack; we give them the power to shape their own future.