Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF) Scales Up Commitment to Lebanon's Education Sector

Strategic Insights -

In a significant gathering marking the third anniversary of the Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF), high-level officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), international partners, and donors reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding and strengthening Lebanon's public education system. The event highlighted the importance of education in addressing the country's current crises and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for its children. With the support of donors, including the European Union, Germany, France, and others, TREF is focused on delivering quality and inclusive education for all children, and supporting reforms aligned to MEHE's Strategic Vision 2025-2030.

Key Takeaways:

  • TREF is a partnership between MEHE, UNICEF, and international donors, established in 2022 to support Lebanon's public education system.
  • The fund's primary goal is to deliver quality and inclusive education for all children, including out-of-school children, through multi-year support.
  • MEHE's Minister, Dr. Rima Karami, emphasized the importance of TREF in advancing the ministry's long-term vision, focusing on learner-centered and sustainable reform.
  • TREF supports MEHE's seven core domains of a quality education system, including governance, accountability, and equity, while promoting delivery of pathways for all learners.
  • The international community has reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lebanon's public education system, with the EU Ambassador, Ms. Sandra De Waele, highlighting the importance of inclusive and quality education for all children.
  • Donors have welcomed MEHE's success in mobilizing national resources for the 2025/2026 school year and expressed hope for systematic inclusion in the national budget to support school operations and quality of learning.
  • TREF has achieved several successes, including expanding access to learning, protecting the most vulnerable, and strengthening public schools, emphasizing the importance of sustained national commitment and international solidarity.

Statistics:

  • TREF is a multi-year support fund established in 2022.
  • The fund's primary goal is to deliver quality and inclusive education for all children, including out-of-school children.
  • MEHE's Minister, Dr. Rima Karami, emphasized the importance of TREF in advancing the ministry's long-term vision.
  • TREF supports MEHE's seven core domains of a quality education system, including governance, accountability, and equity.
  • The international community has reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Lebanon's public education system, with the EU Ambassador, Ms. Sandra De Waele, highlighting the importance of inclusive and quality education for all children.
  • Donors have welcomed MEHE's success in mobilizing national resources for the 2025/2026 school year.
  • TREF has achieved several successes, including expanding access to learning, protecting the most vulnerable, and strengthening public schools.

Sources:

  • Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF) - MEHE, UNICEF, and international donors
  • Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE)
  • European Union (EU)
  • Germany (through the German Development Bank KfW)
  • France (through the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AfD))
  • Switzerland
  • UK
  • Netherlands
  • Italy
  • Finland
  • Norway
  • Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon
  • Dr. Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education
  • Ms. Sandra De Waele, EU Ambassador to Lebanon
  • Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon