As Lebanon teeters between unrest and a full-blown conflict, students and educators alike face challenges beyond the classroom. Learning under such circumstances takes on an added dimension of resilience as the pursuit of education becomes an act of survival in itself.

With political conflict impacting the infrastructure of education, students find themselves having to cope with displacement, disrupted routines, and the constant stress of living in an unsafe environment. Recently, many of them have expressed concerns about their ability to focus and manage their emotional wellbeing while preparing for another period of online learning.

In response to these concerns, LAU Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Arts and Sciences Toni Sawma, who specializes in clinical and health psychology, behavioral medicine and innovative forms of therapy, led a workshop titled Learning During Uncertain Times on October 8.

Throughout the workshop, Dr. Sawma offered strategies to cope with stress and anxiety and provided students with much-needed guidance as they continue to balance learning with the emotional weight of living through a conflict.

“War creates an environment where the pursuit of education becomes secondary to survival,” he said, highlighting that power outages, internet instability and physical danger prevent students from maintaining regular schedules.

One of the most prevalent effects of conflict on education is its toll on mental health, he added. “Constant exposure to violence and uncertainty generates fear, anxiety and trauma, which impair students’ capacity to focus on their studies.”

Psychology student Hadi Al Roubaie admitted that “in such conditions, my ability to concentrate and retain information diminishes because I find myself torn between coping with what’s happening around me and with those who don’t have the luxury to process the tragedy.”

For many, displacement is an added complexity. As families flee conflict zones, displaced students may feel a sense of loss, not only for their homes but also for the familiar routine of school, which can lead them to disengage from learning and, in severe cases, burnout.

Access to educational resources in such circumstances becomes difficult and, for some, impossible. “Online learning, often a solution during crises, relies heavily on a stable internet, which may not be accessible to everyone, either,” noted Dr. Sawma.

On behalf of Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Education and Associate Professor Pia Tohme, he added that the purpose of the workshop was to emphasize that “it is okay not to be okay.”

To help them cope, Dr. Sawma encouraged students to embrace their feelings and seek support rather than internalize them. This can be done through grounding techniques, mindfulness exercises, and creating a safe space for studying, all of which can provide short-term relief in times of increased stress.

In conflict zones, he stressed, flexibility is key to continuing education, and educators must prioritize adaptable routines that take into account power availability, internet access and the safety of their students.

For those with limited access to the internet, downloading low-data resources, like audio files or offline materials, in advance can bridge the gap and ensure that learning continues despite logistical obstacles.

“I learned that maintaining a consistent schedule when possible is crucial, but adaptability is equally important,” noted biology student Joud Abdul Baki, who adjusted his study hours based on current conditions.

Additionally, building a support network is critical for students, be it at home by staying connected with family, friends or trusted adults, or at university with classmates, colleagues and teachers, as it can provide emotional relief and a sense of normalcy.

“Online support groups, counseling services, or simply sharing experiences with peers can offer comfort and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles,” Dr. Sawma said.

Most importantly, self-care routines, including proper sleep, hydration, nutrition and physical activity, must remain a priority for students to preserve their mental and physical health.