Syriac Catholic Patriarchate waives school fees for Syriac students in Lebanon amid economic crisis

The Syriac Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch has announced the waiver of school fees for Syriac students in Lebanon for the 2025–2026 academic year. This decision, made under the leadership of Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Yonan, applies to students at Lycée du Musée in Badaro and Deir al-Charfeh School in Daraoun–Harissa. The initiative, now in its sixth consecutive year, aims to support education amid Lebanon’s worsening economic crisis.

The Patriarchate’s Secretariat issued a statement confirming that tuition fees for Syriac students will be fully covered, excluding registration and stationery costs. The move is intended to ensure that children from the Syriac community can continue their education without financial strain. The Church also invited students from other religious backgrounds to enroll, stating that fees would remain “affordable” for all.

The decision reflects the Church’s broader commitment to education as a vital mission, especially in a country where many families have been forced to switch from private to public schooling or delay their children’s education. Clergy emphasize that education is not only a social service but a critical effort to counteract emigration and demographic decline within the community.

The initiative is seen as a gesture of moral and financial support for families struggling with the economic downturn. Experts note that such actions provide a measure of hope, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an educated and cohesive generation despite ongoing challenges. The Church’s efforts are rooted in a long-standing tradition of spiritual and educational service.

The statement concluded with a verse from the Book of Proverbs: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it” (18:15). This reflection underscores the value placed on learning and wisdom within the Syriac Catholic tradition.

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