Many Lebanese attend French-language schools and grow up speaking French, admiring French culture and feeling more inclined toward Europe than toward the Arab world. Some Muslims also choose these schools because of their high standard of education.
On the other hand, many other Muslims and Druze prefer the English-language schools. They learned English and with more emphasis on the Arab heritage, often acquiring different interests and ideas about their country. Formerly, schools of all sorts were attended by students of all faiths. Because of population changes during the war, however, schools became much more segregated by religious group.
Regardless of what private schools a child attends, education costs a lot – and the parents must pay. Fees are high and books have to be bought as well. Educating several children can be a very heavy burden. But families expect this expense. Among the Lebanese, education is one of the most important values. Besides they feel that good schooling will pay off later when the young man or woman is started in a good job or career. Families will therefore make big sacrifices to keep their children in school as long as possible.
This is true of all the different groups in Lebanon. Villagers who cannot read or write want their sons – and their daughters – to have schooling. Very few young people are allowed to drop out because of the rebelliousness or wish to be independent.
Source: Marston, Elsa. Lebanon, New Light in an Ancient Land. New York: Dillon Press.
On the other hand, many other Muslims and Druze prefer the English-language schools. They learned English and with more emphasis on the Arab heritage, often acquiring different interests and ideas about their country. Formerly, schools of all sorts were attended by students of all faiths. Because of population changes during the war, however, schools became much more segregated by religious group.
Regardless of what private schools a child attends, education costs a lot – and the parents must pay. Fees are high and books have to be bought as well. Educating several children can be a very heavy burden. But families expect this expense. Among the Lebanese, education is one of the most important values. Besides they feel that good schooling will pay off later when the young man or woman is started in a good job or career. Families will therefore make big sacrifices to keep their children in school as long as possible.
This is true of all the different groups in Lebanon. Villagers who cannot read or write want their sons – and their daughters – to have schooling. Very few young people are allowed to drop out because of the rebelliousness or wish to be independent.
Source: Marston, Elsa. Lebanon, New Light in an Ancient Land. New York: Dillon Press.
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