Jana

Reimagining Schools in Lebanon for
the 21st Century

By 2050, every child in Lebanon, regardless of geography, income, or background, learns in a connected, inclusive, and future-ready education system that combines human mentorship, advanced technology, and Lebanon’s rich cultural identity. Schools are no longer buildings alone, but networks. Teachers are no longer lecturers, but mentors and facilitators. Learning is no longer standardized, but differentiated and personalized. Every student has the potential to reach global standards while remaining deeply rooted in who we are — in Lebanon and beyond.

At its heart lies a powerful central question.

“How can we, as experienced and visionary educators, collectively shape the future of schooling in Lebanon, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or geography, thrives in an era defined by rapid digital transformation, including artificial intelligence?”

Program Themes

Theme I
Empowering schools through local & diaspora synergy

Theme II
Inclusive school models bridging societal divides

Theme III
Meeting global standards through innovation

Theme IV
Cultivating identity & global fluency in curricula

The Collaborative Conference

November 2025

To begin answering Jana’s central question, Lebanon & Beyond, in collaboration with leading experts from Lebanon and the global diaspora, launched the initiative with a dynamic two-day working conference in Fall 2025.

Schools for the Future

July 2026

The two-day conference marked only the beginning of the Jana journey. Building on the ideas and momentum generated during the inaugural conference, the four thematic working groups refined their insights and recommendations, conducted targeted research and exploration, and identified pilot projects and schools for implementation. The four groups met in July 2026 at AUB. It marked an important milestone in the Jana journey, reaffirming the initiative's commitment to a collaborative, action-oriented process that translates ideas into tangible impact for Lebanon's future.

Learn more

Long-Term Roadmap
From Vision to Implementation

In Fall 2026, these working groups will reconvene for a follow-up conference, where they will present a comprehensive blueprint for a pilot program, an outcome of a year’s worth of collaboration, inquiry, and design. With a long-term horizon, the initiative will continue to evolve through:

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of pilot initiatives

Iterative refinement of strategies and models

Expansion and scaling of successful approaches

Sustained dialogue and collaboration across sectors

Jana is designed to grow with the needs of Lebanon’s education system, adapting, deepening, and expanding its impact over time. It is not just a program, but a movement to reimagine schooling for generations to come.

Program Co-Chairs

Dr. Fouad Abd-El-Khalick


Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Dr. Moise Khayrallah


Founder, Lebanon & Beyond
Beirut, Lebanon and North Carolina, USA

Dr. Saouma BouJaoude


Advisor to the Dean for Faculty Affairs
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
American University of Beirut

Planning Committee

  • Dr. Kamal Abou Chedid: Professor of Education at the Faculty of Humanities, Notre Dame University - Lebanon‍ ‍

  • Dr. Tamer Amin: Professor of Learning Sciences and Acting Chair, Department of Education, American University of Beirut - Lebanon

  • Ms. Rida Ayache: Principal, Ahliah School - Lebanon

  • Ms. Nayla Daoun: Principal, Beirut Annunciation Orthodox College - Lebanon

  • Dr. Fadi El Hage: Professor, Faculty of Education, Saint Joseph University - Lebanon

  • Dr. Nizar El Mehtar: Assistant Professor in Education, Haigazian University - Lebanon

  • Ms. Ghada Gholam: Senior Education Specialist | Deputy Director, UNESCO (retiree) - Lebanon

  • Dr. Mohamad Ghrayeb: Director, Dawhat Al Mabarrat - Lebanon

  • Ms. Georgia Hachem: Senior Education Consultant, Ministry of Education and Higher Education - Lebanon

  • Ms. Nidal Jouni: Instructor of Educational Management and Leadership, American University of Beirut | Coach and Researcher at TAMAM Project – Lebanon

  • Ms. Roula Haddad: Head of Division, Saint Joseph School | Head of Tests and Measurements Office, Saint Joseph School – Lebanon 

  • Ms. Rima Khishen: Assistant to the Vice President for Educational Services, International College - Lebanon

  • Dr. Iman Osta: Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education, Makassed University - Lebanon