Since 2019, Lebanon has been going through a serious financial and economic crisis, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the August 4 blast. The Lebanese currency has massively depreciated, thousands of people have lost their jobs, and the multidimensional poverty rate has nearly doubled from 42% in 2019 to 82% in 2021. This dreadful situation forced many students in the country to interrupt their university studies. This will not happen to USJ students!
Thus, to carry out its educational mission and to ensure that high-quality education remains accessible to all, the University has decided not to raise tuition fees for the academic year 2020-2021, despite the fact that USJ was the most affected by the blast.
In 2021, USJ was suffering from the economic crisis, and students were concerned about a potential tuition hike as a result of an increase in the dollar exchange rate to 3,900 LBP.
This is when we decided to come in solidarity with our University and our classmates, and committed to Help Others Pursue Education!
In one year, Generation H.O.P.E. raised enough money to help 126 students in covering the University’s “Solidarity contribution of USD 250 fresh”. The Department of Social Services was in charge of allocating donations to students in need anonymously.
This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of our engaged and loyal Alumni.
Beyond raising financial aid, Generation H.O.P.E. is building a culture of solidarity and engagement among our peers.