Beirut, 18 May 2016: The government of Japan re-affirmed its commitment towards the most vulnerable children in Lebanon by contributing US$11 million to UNICEF’s education and water & sanitation programmes. More than 40,000 children across Lebanon will benefit from improved school environments and better access to water & sanitations (WASH) services. The grant comes as part of Japan’s Humanitarian Assistance for Middle Eastern countries suffering from the repercussions of the Syrian Crisis.
“As the crisis in neighbouring Syria continues, we see its impact increasing not only on Syria’s refugee children but on Lebanon’s children and families as well,” said Ms. Tanya Chapuisat, UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon. “The government of Japan stands with us in prioritizing equitable services to all children regardless of where they come from. We are grateful for their generous support to our efforts in reaching the most vulnerable of marginalized children.”
Of the total grant, US$ 6 million will go towards the rehabilitation of 34 public schools to ensure better learning environments, benefitting more than 10,000 children. The grant will also allow UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to improve standards of hygiene, health and safety in these schools and to meet accessibility standards for children with disabilities. Safe and healthy school environments are amongst the key factors in ensuring children continue to go to school and reduce dropout rates.
“Schools play vital roles not only to provide education opportunities for the children but also to activate and empower local communities.” said Mr. Seiichi Otsuka, the Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon. “We, the people of Japan are hoping to provide safe and inclusive learning environment for all the children.”
29,000 children and their families will also be reached with various water & sanitation services through the allocation of US$5 million to UNICEF’s WASH programme. 14,000 Syrian refugee children residing in informal settlements will receive a comprehensive package of WASH interventions including safe water, access to improved sanitation facilities, hygiene materials and hygiene promotion sessions. Access to clean water is a basic human right, provides protection from many diseases and allows children and their families to live in a healthy and safe environment.
Furthermore, and with the support of the Ministry of interior and municipalities, 15,000 vulnerable children living in six Municipalities across Lebanon will benefit from improved Solid Waste Management services.
Since 2012, the Government of Japan has contributed more than US$ 22.4 million to UNICEF’s programmes responding to the impact of the crisis and refugee influx in Lebanon.