Layla is a member of the War Studies Department at King’s College, London. She wrote this piece as part of her internship with Arts4Refugees. Her motivation was to help her peer group understand the unique experiences of post-conflict communities. This article was edited by Cassia Jefferson, a fellow student journalist from Oxford University.
Backstory podcast
Rebuilding Lebanon: A Tale of Resilience in the Wake of Economic Collapse
Introduction
Lebanon was once known as the "Switzerland of the Middle East" for its thriving economy and rich cultural heritage. Now, the nation finds itself in the throes of an unprecedented economic crisis which began in 2019. This crisis unleashed a cascade of human hardships, from a mass exodus of skilled professionals to the deterioration of essential services. The economic decline is stripping the Lebanese population of their basic rights to education and healthcare, and threatening the survival and security of a people already victim to conflict and political instability. Nevertheless, amid the challenges, a heartening story of community action, resilience, and reconstruction is emerging. In this article, I delve into the profound impact of Lebanon's economic crash on its people and explore their relentless efforts, both locally and within the diaspora, to survive and rebuild their lives.
Lebanon's economic collapse is the result of a complex tapestry of factors, including political corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and external withdrawal of financial support due to the increased political instability. The value of the Lebanese pound has dropped by 98% since 2019, leading to hyperinflation and a stark erosion of purchasing power. Unemployment has surged, and many businesses have been forced to close due to the volatile economic climate. The population of Lebanon are being robbed of their financial security, catalysing a variety of consequences which only exacerbate the country’s dramatic economic decline.
The Exodus of Talent: Brain Drain
Perhaps one of the most concerning outcomes of this economic crisis is the mass departure of skilled professionals and educated individuals from Lebanon, often referred to as the "brain drain." Increasing numbers of doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs are seeking greener pastures abroad as the value of the Lebanese pound plummets, leaving many struggling to provide basic necessities for their families. Professionals who remain in their industries often grapple with excessive workloads and salaries which are too low to support their families. Critical sectors are struggling with shortages and resource deficiencies as professionals relocate to regain financial security.
The healthcare sector, in particular, has been hit hard. Once esteemed for its world-class healthcare services, Lebanon's hospitals now face immense challenges in meeting growing demand with dwindling resources. The lack of both essential medical tools such as stents and access to bespoke resources like prosthetic limbs means that patients are being treated with unsuitable tools. This runs the risk of causing further complications, merely exacerbating threats to patients' health and comfort. Healthcare professionals who remain often find themselves overburdened and underpaid. This has negatively impacted the quality of care they can provide and caused a deterioration in mental health, which healthcare services are unequipped to support.
Similarly, the education sector has declined. Schools and universities grapple with funding shortages, causing a lack of qualified teachers and lowering standards of education. While private education has become increasingly unaffordable for many, public schools are grappling with overcrowded classrooms and outdated resources. The rising costs of living have also caused a dramatic decline in school attendance. Students have to prioritise purchasing essential goods such as food and medicine over education and 30% of pupils dropped out of school in 2022 alone (UNICEF Lebanon, 2022). The interplay between the deteriorating healthcare and education sectors has created a vicious cycle- the decline in healthcare services has led to a surge in preventable diseases. Equally, a weakened education system restricts access to healthcare knowledge, exacerbating public health challenges and limiting the training of future medical professionals.
Resilience Amidst Despair
Despite these challenging circumstances, Lebanon's people have not surrendered to despair. Communities have rallied together to provide mutual support during these trying times, with grassroots initiatives, charities, and non-governmental organisations emerging to offer crucial aid to those in need. These organisations recognise the vital importance of rebuilding the healthcare system to ensure the well-being of the population. They have come together, alongside philanthropic individuals, to provide critical medical supplies, equipment, and financial support to hospitals struggling to cope with the crisis.
Among these NGOs, International Medical Corps has been a pivotal force in Lebanon since 2006. Their healthcare efforts revolve around establishing and supporting a network of approximately 50 primary healthcare clinics and dispensaries across the country. These facilities prioritise preventive care, wellness checks, immunisations, and specialised services for those with disabilities, among other essential services. They also engage local communities through awareness-raising activities and health education, effectively curbing the spread of diseases and minimising healthcare costs. Furthermore, International Medical Corps extends its efforts into the realm of mental health and psychosocial support,. They deliver comprehensive mental health programs and train healthcare providers. This helps to alleviate the strain on the health sector and ensures that the population's mental well-being is not overlooked.
This concerted effort by organisations like International Medical Corps, in collaboration with other charitable entities and individuals, plays a crucial role in addressing the safety and security needs of Lebanon's people. They provide a sense of security by ensuring that individuals have access to essential medical services and resources. This helps mitigate the fear of health insecurity, which is a fundamental aspect of overall safety. Moreover, the presence of these organisations contributes to the restoration of order and structure within the healthcare sector, which is essential for reducing uncertainty and chaos. The Medical Corps, in particular, with its network of primary healthcare clinics, not only offers preventive care but also establishes a framework of reliability. This further bolsters the feeling of safety and security among the population.
Alongside this, efforts are underway to enhance access to education through providing scholarships, online learning platforms, and other resources. NGOs such as 26 Letters provide free high quality courses which offer focus group teaching in a range of subjects. This allows students from all socio-economic backgrounds to access education. These initiatives aim to bridge the gaps left by the failing education system and empower the youth to develop their minds in inclusive environments. This ensures their receipt of essential services that will not only provide them with the security of knowledge, but also facilitate the education of future skilled professionals and contribute to breaking the damaging cycles which are pushing more and more people out of Lebanon.
The Role of the Lebanese Diaspora
One of the most significant consequences of the economic crisis has been the mass exodus of Lebanese from the country. However, this does not mean that the Lebanese diaspora have abandoned their country. On the contrary, they have played an instrumental role in supporting their homeland. Through remittances and in-kind support, they have become a vital source of financial stability and much-needed assistance for Lebanese citizens grappling with the economic crisis. Remittances alone, amounting to an average of USD 7 billion annually, have provided a lifeline for countless families. These funds cover basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare expenses. However, the diaspora's contributions extend far beyond financial aid. They have leveraged their knowledge, skills, and connections to form networks and organisations dedicated to supporting Lebanon's recovery. In the face of multiple crises, the Lebanese diaspora has mobilised its resources and organised globally to address various humanitarian challenges, including food distribution, sanitation, medical support, and economic well-being. Moreover, the diaspora plays a crucial role in advocating for structural reforms. This could unlock external funding from institutions like the International Monetary Fund, thereby contributing to Lebanon's economic stabilisation.
Conclusion
Lebanon is grappling with the devastating aftermath of its economic collapse. In spite of this, the unwavering resilience of its people both within the country and throughout the global Lebanese diaspora, shines brightly. These communities have recognised the importance of human security and stability and united to rebuild essential services. Grassroots initiatives, NGOs like International Medical Corps and educational endeavours are offering hope and empowerment. The Lebanese diaspora's financial support and advocacy efforts underscore their commitment to their homeland's well-being. Together, they are a powerful force for recovery, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope that will define Lebanon's future.
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