The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) commissioned ITAR Consultants to evaluate two Non-Formal Education (NFE) projects aimed at supporting vulnerable children in Lebanon, particularly in the Bekaa Valley. The projects, “Learning Must Go On!” by Save the Children and “Support to Access and Retention of Vulnerable Children in Education in North Bekaa” by Plan International, sought to improve educational access and retention for both Lebanese and Syrian children affected by Lebanon’s socio-economic crisis.
The study aimed to:
- Evaluate the projects’ success in providing education and support to vulnerable children.
- Offer strategic recommendations for enhancing future education responses in similar contexts.
- Assess the added value of local partnerships and the sustainability of project outcomes, especially in light of ongoing displacement and the socio-political context.
The evaluation covered:
- in-depth assessments of both projects’ effectiveness, relevance, and impact;
- documentary analysis of project reports and evaluations; and
- consultations with key stakeholders, including local partners, caregivers, and teachers.
The evaluation concluded with practical recommendations for strengthening coordination, continuing adaptive strategies, and improving the overall integration of local partners in future education interventions. The report emphasised the importance of context-sensitive programming, especially in conflict-affected areas.
