LIMS participated in two high-level meetings to address the education crisis in Lebanon. The first, held on March 8, 2023, was organized by the Loubnan Hawiyati Education Committee, and featured Member of Parliament Melhem Khalaf and MP Najat Aoun, alongside education experts. The second, sponsored by the Minister of Education and Higher Education, was organized by UCPEC Keserwan-Ftouh-Jbeil on March 30, 2023.

LIMS emphasized that the economic downturn and currency devaluation have led to a doubling of the poverty rate in Lebanon, making it difficult for parents to afford high tuition fees. Private schools have had to adjust by reducing tuition fees from around $2,500 per student to $700-$1000 per student today. However, schools are struggling to reduce costs related to electricity and internet, and have adjusted teachers’ salaries to retain staff. Despite the crisis, parents still prefer to enroll their children in paid private schools (67%) rather than free public schools (33%). This trend is not due to a lack of resources in public schools, where the average student cost to the government is around $2,000.

LIMS argued that the ongoing public school teacher strike, which seeks a wage increase, is misguided and would only exacerbate hyperinflation and currency devaluation. The solution lies in granting public schools more financial and administrative independence, enabling them to reduce costs and diversify their sources of income.