Rashaya Public High School, a secondary school in Rashaya, Lebanon, excels in merging environmental education with community integration, empowering students with projects like a self-irrigating garden system, and fostering a future of academic and ecological leadership. Established in 1973, this government-funded school serves 300 students, embedding respect, curiosity, and community spirit into its curriculum amidst challenging socio-economic conditions.
The school’s mission centres on a nurturing environment that fosters free expression and academic excellence, with students frequently securing scholarships to prestigious universities like AUB and LAU. Its robust environmental education programme, underpinned by the "Gardening Project" supported by the Nafda Movement, transforms theoretical learning into practical, hands-on environmental action. This initiative not only enhances the school’s curriculum but also instils a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among students.
Rashaya Public High School’s pedagogical approach integrates Project-Based Learning (PBL) with STEAM+H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics + Humanities), focusing on real-world environmental challenges. Innovative projects include a self-irrigating garden system using sensor technology and 3D printing, developed in their on-site STEAM lab, which teaches students about sustainable practices while addressing local environmental issues.
Key to the school's operation is the integration of technology and AI, aiming to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Teachers, drawn from the local university graduate pool, are dedicated to leveraging every available resource to maximise student potential, despite the medium funding status.
Additional activities at the school include interdisciplinary projects that engage the wider community, promoting a culture of research and innovation. One notable project includes the school's participation in the Injaz al Arab competition, where students developed innovative technology to assist visually impaired individuals, showcasing their ingenuity and compassion.
Should Rashaya Public High School win the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, the funds will be directed towards expanding their technological capabilities and further developing their community-oriented projects. This investment will ensure the school continues to serve as a model of educational excellence and environmental responsibility, promoting sustainable practices within and beyond Lebanon.
