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Lebanon's embattled public schools are set to reopen on November 4 after the original start date in September was delayed amid intense Israeli bombardment of the country, the Minister of Education, Abbas Halabi, has confirmed.
The decision on whether or not individual schools open their doors will depend on their location and whether they have the capacity to do so, a separate well-placed source who is aware of the plan, told The National. It it is unclear yet which public schools will be able to welcome students back, the source added, with more than 40 per cent – around 600 – serving as shelters for the 1.2 million people who have fled Israel's attacks.
“The education plan we have put in place needs more time for implementation,” Mr Halabi said.
The UN children’s fund (Unicef) estimates that more than 400,000 children have been displaced from their homes. There will be no formal schooling in shelters and those displaced, including students and teachers, will automatically be enrolled in nearby schools, the minister said.
Private schools and universities will open at their own discretion and it will be up to them to decide whether they use online learning or teach in-person, said Mr Halabi. “The situation is complicated and [the ministry] cannot bear the brunt alone."
Lebanon's Ministry of Education will partner with private institutions so that some children who were enrolled in public schools can attend there.
Lebanon's health ministry says at least 127 children have been killed since the onset of hostilities a year ago. More than 100 of those deaths have been in the last two weeks, and around 700 children have been injured in the same period.
“The most common injuries reportedly recorded among children include concussions and traumatic brain injuries from the impact of blasts, shrapnel wounds and limb injuries. Hearing loss caused by explosions is also common,” the Unicef said.
The current uncertainty and chaos in the education system in Lebanon is mirroring a similar schooling crisis in Gaza, where children have lost an academic year amid Israel's brutal bombardment there. Some 80 per cent of schools in Gaza have been destroyed and remaining classrooms have been converted into shelters.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 592bhp
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Stars: Kevin Hart
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How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
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How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Cases of coronavirus in the GCC as of March 15
Saudi Arabia – 103 infected, 0 dead, 1 recovered
UAE – 86 infected, 0 dead, 23 recovered
Bahrain – 210 infected, 0 dead, 44 recovered
Kuwait – 104 infected, 0 dead, 5 recovered
Qatar – 337 infected, 0 dead, 4 recovered
Oman – 19 infected, 0 dead, 9 recovered
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
