Libyan Public Works Minister, Nasr Sharh El-Bal Al-Obaidi inaugurated two schools in Tobruk, on Thursday. These schools, Hay Qureina and Hay Al-Istiqlal, cater to various educational stages. The event was attended by Tobruk’s Mayor, Faraj Bu Al-Khattabia, members of the municipal council, and the Director of the Education Office, Fathi Bu Najou.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister, Osama Hamad’s directives, focusing on education and health sectors across municipalities. The schools are equipped with air-conditioned classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities. These are part of the Minister’s tour to monitor service projects in eastern Libya.
In October, UNICEF Libya announced the beginning of rehabilitation efforts for 11 schools, in the cities of Al-Bayda and Shahat, eastern Libya. This aims to assist in returning students from Derna to their educational institutions.
In a statement, UNICEF highlighted its ongoing work to ensure the safe return of children to school, and the resumption of their education, particularly in the aftermath of the recent deadly floods.
The statement also pointed out that a rapid assessment of the schools affected by the floods has initiated the process of cleaning and rehabilitation. These efforts are intended to support the Ministry of Education in reopening these schools, for the start of the academic year in Derna.
UNICEF further indicated its commitment to providing essential classroom furniture, including student and teacher desks. As well as replacement whiteboards for those damaged by the floods.
The Education Department in Derna has confirmed that approximately 300 teachers were victims of the devastating floods.
According to Abdel-Hamid Hamad, the Head of the department, classes are set to resume on 28 October, after the Ministry of Education assesses the extent of the damage.
In his press statement, Hamad stated, “We have initiated the process of identifying the teachers who lost their lives in the disaster, and ascertaining their areas of expertise to address the shortage of teachers in coordination with the Ministry.”
He added that damaged schools are currently undergoing repairs, and students have been relocated to the nearest available facilities.
“Derna’s Education Department serves a student population of 42,239 attending 73 educational institutions, 18 of which suffered damage due to the floods. According to the latest Ministry statistics, the total count of affected schools in the disaster-stricken areas amounts to 114, spread across 15 municipalities, impacting a student body of 189,157.”