EDUCATION & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The Education and Digital Transformation Program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing educational disparities, empowering communities, and nurturing responsible citizenship across Lebanon. Aligned with the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development’s mission, this program promotes innovative, and inclusive approaches to education. By integrating digital technologies and progressive methodologies, it strives to provide equitable, high-quality learning opportunities, preparing a future-read generation.

Promote Citizen Engagement

Equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and digital literacy needed to actively participate in civic life, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging.

Foster Social Cohesion

Build inclusive educational frameworks that embrace diversity and encourage collaboration, ensuring no one is left behind.

Enhance Community Resilience

Empower individuals and communities through education, helping them adapt to challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Program Goals

The Education and Digital Transformation Program aspires to achieve the following goals:

Program Components

The program focuses on six key areas to achieve its goals:

Access to Scholarships and Educational Opportunities

Provide university, school, and continuing education scholarships to ensure equitable access to education for learners from all backgrounds.

Innovative Educational Services and Programs

Operate and support institutions that deliver high-quality education and training, offering tailored programs that address diverse learner needs, including academic, technical, and remedial education.

Educational Partnerships and Collaborations

Foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships among schools, educators, and institutions to promote innovation, share effective practices, and address common challenges in education, creating a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Innovation in Education

Focus on introducing transformative teaching methodologies and cutting-edge technologies to modernize educational approaches, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world

Lifelong Learning and Skills Development

Focus on equipping individuals with the skills for personal and professional growth through reskilling and upskilling initiatives, enhancing employability and adaptability for the future.

Career Guidance and Professional Pathways

Provide career counseling and resources to help learners navigate opportunities, make informed decisions, and plan for successful futures.

University Scholarships

The university scholarships program has been integral to safeguard and enhance Lebanon’s human capital, particularly during times of conflict and crisis. Since 1979, the foundation has granted 35,992 full scholarships to students from across Lebanon, enabling them to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies in 1,766 universities and institutions across 27 countries. These scholarships covered tuition fees, foreign language training, travel expenses, accommodation, and necessary academic equipment, valued at $1.5 billion.

This transformative initiative has impacted the lives of over 170,000 individuals, including both the direct recipients and their families, and has led to countless breakthroughs in technological advancement, governance, and sectoral development. Many of the program’s graduates have occupied key roles in both the public and private sectors, driving change within Lebanon and globally.

How It All Started

Kfarfalous Educational Compound

The Kfarfalous Educational Compound, established by the Hariri Foundation in 1979, stands as a transformative project exemplifying Lebanon’s potential for peace and progress amidst the challenges of the Lebanese civil war. Located strategically between Saida and Jezzine, the compound was envisioned as a scientific and cultural village dedicated to the socioeconomic development of South Lebanon, fostering collaboration across diverse communities in the region.

Spanning an impressive 1,000,000 square meters of lush green hills at an altitude of 500 meters, the compound was a pioneering project with an estimated investment of $300 million.

By April 1982, the site had transformed into a vibrant hub, boasting 75,000 square meters of completed facilities, including educational, medical, and social infrastructure. Residential buildings were also constructed to accommodate employees and students, creating a vibrant community within the compound.

The compound encompassed several key components:

Saida Center for University Studies (1981–1985): A higher education hub designed to serve students from across the region.
Hariri Medical Center (1982–1985): A cutting-edge facility aimed at providing advanced healthcare services.
School of Nursing (1982–1985): A dedicated institution to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
New Sidon School (1982–1985): Later renamed Rafic Hariri High School, providing high-quality education to students of all ages.
Vocational School: Planned to equip students with technical skills but was suspended due to the war.
Sports Complex: An ambitious recreational project that remained uncompleted.
Power Plant (1983): Later integrated into Electricité du Liban to support regional energy needs.

Despite its promise, the compound’s construction and operations were interrupted by the Israeli invasion in 1982, leading to the suspension of activities. By 1985, the compound had ceased operations entirely, marking an untimely halt to an extraordinary vision.

Today, the Kfarfalous Educational Compound remains a symbol of resilience and a testament to the Hariri Foundation’s commitment to education, healthcare, and community development during one of Lebanon’s most challenging periods.