This article is based on my view and on my experience from my visits to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
When talking about the Palestinians in Lebanon a lot of things are left out. I would like to shed some light on how problematic their educational situation in particular is.
First of all the Palestinians are being taught in UNRWA-schools, in these schools the teaching language is English and some Arabic. The UN thought that by learning English the Palestinians would have better possibilities if traveling to other countries to work.
Secondly, Lebanon used to be a French mandate (from 1920 to 1943) and therefore the Lebanese school system is still like the French school system. The same goes for the teaching language, which is French and, because it is an Arabic country, Arabic.
The Palestinian children are being taught physics and mathematics in English. The teacher teaches all the subjects in English. Only Islam- and Arabic-language classes are in Arabic.
Now this of course creates some division between the Palestinian students and the Lebanese students. The Lebanese high schools and universities continue to teach in French and so the Palestinians have no possibility to study at a Lebanese University simply because of the language barrier. I think it is sad that Lebanon isn’t willing to integrate the Palestinians. They are there to stay, but unfortunately the Lebanese government doesn’t want to realize it. Instead the way to get an education is blocked.
It is illegal for Palestinians to work in Lebanon as a doctor or a lawyer for example. That is why most of them work inside the refugee camps. The camp is like a small village. You can find almost everything and many Palestinians never leave the camp.
The problem is that the Palestinians have now been in the country for more than 50 years but the situation is still the same as 50 years ago. Sad but true.
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September 26, 2009 at 10:26 am
I think sis, its a huge issue everywhere. Many countries don't allow refugees to settle down in the host country. Similarly education in these countries somehow alienates those who are not locals. Aghan refugees in Uzbekistan cannot gain citizenship, thus if refuge children would like to pursue higher education they have to be classified as "contract students" and have to pay arm and a leg for the college and university studies that are off horrid quality to start with. Its a sad situation for Palestinian refugees. May Allah reward them for all the trials and hardships they go through.
September 25, 2009 at 7:54 pm
The refugee camps is what boils my blood. We act like it is so much better because they aren't getting killed by the IDF when they and Hamas decide to go at it again. It's not though. Muslim refugees in Muslim majority countries and treated like rats. It's disgusting, and we ignore it all too much. Way, way too much.
Sorry for getting off topic, i'll comment on the actual post now lol.
You bring up really crucial points about the educational learning in these two countries. I think English would be the better opportunity for learning, but I imagine that would work against Lebanese interests by the population working abroad instead of inside the country. I'm not saying thats the reasoning they have but it is a possibility I suppose.
Good article, Sis! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work :D!