Beirut
What is it like having a child going to school in Achrafieh? We asked a mother: Rita, a communication professional, mother of 2, tells all!
“Achrafieh is our neighborhood, so having our 6 year-old daughter here is absolutely great, we’re so close to everything, we can pick her up and take her home by foot! It’s possible because my husband and I work near the school. At 2 pm we take her to an afterschool program where she can have lunch and do her homework. If we could not do that, the schools offer a transportation service.”
Even though she would love her children to experience a “more cosmopolitan” lifestyle, she believes that Achrafieh is an ideal place to grow and learn.
On the flipside, schools begin too early and it’s almost painful. Some schools have the kids coming in at 7:30 am and the streets become so crowded it’s almost impossible to drive through them, adding that it’s also the case in other areas of Beirut. She also mentions “many schools don’t have a restaurant for the kids. Some of the schools stop at 2:40 pm; it implies that the children won’t have lunch before 3 pm. This is not a very healthy lifestyle I think.”
What makes Achrafieh so special and different from other neighborhoods around Beirut? “In Hamra for example, you might have more secular schools. In Achrafieh, you have one secular school, Le Lycee Francais, and many Christian schools. Some people prefer to raise their children in a religious environment. For those, Achrafieh is definitely the place to be, even if there are, of course, other Christian schools in other areas of Beirut and Lebanon (Jdeideh, Baabda etc).
However, there’s always room for improvement. Adding lunchtime, creating space for more children and lowering tuition rates are some things Rita would love to see change in the future… What about you? Come and share your comments
!
What is it like having a child going to school in Achrafieh? We asked a mother: Rita, a communication professional, mother of 2, tells all!
“Achrafieh is our neighborhood, so having our 6 year-old daughter here is absolutely great, we’re so close to everything, we can pick her up and take her home by foot! It’s possible because my husband and I work near the school. At 2 pm we take her to an afterschool program where she can have lunch and do her homework. If we could not do that, the schools offer a transportation service.”
Even though she would love her children to experience a “more cosmopolitan” lifestyle, she believes that Achrafieh is an ideal place to grow and learn.
On the flipside, schools begin too early and it’s almost painful. Some schools have the kids coming in at 7:30 am and the streets become so crowded it’s almost impossible to drive through them, adding that it’s also the case in other areas of Beirut. She also mentions “many schools don’t have a restaurant for the kids. Some of the schools stop at 2:40 pm; it implies that the children won’t have lunch before 3 pm. This is not a very healthy lifestyle I think.”
What makes Achrafieh so special and different from other neighborhoods around Beirut? “In Hamra for example, you might have more secular schools. In Achrafieh, you have one secular school, Le Lycee Francais, and many Christian schools. Some people prefer to raise their children in a religious environment. For those, Achrafieh is definitely the place to be, even if there are, of course, other Christian schools in other areas of Beirut and Lebanon (Jdeideh, Baabda etc).
However, there’s always room for improvement. Adding lunchtime, creating space for more children and lowering tuition rates are some things Rita would love to see change in the future… What about you? Come and share your comments
!
Where to watch a movie? To see a play? To buy art pieces? Or searching for some books for your leisure time…just follow the guide
If you are searching for a place to relax, to stay fit, a place to take care of yourself and to be taken care of, just check our guide
Follow the guide to find where to let your child learn and study, from the very beginning to superior studies
Any financial question? You need to open a bank account or insured a property? Follow the guide
Follow the guide to know where to shop for your daily needs, and where to order for your diner, reception and gathering
A contract to sign or an issue to resolve? An apartment to decorate or a house to build? Consult our guide and find the right person
Hanging out in Achrafieh won’t have any more secrets for you. Just follow the guide and discover where to go
To know where the nearest pharmacy is or to find a hospital, a clinic or a specialized center follow the guide
Find, in this guide, useful contacts for all your administrative steps or for any questions of public policy you may have
Whether you have a gift or furniture to buy, or you just want to pamper yourself, follow the guide and prepare your shopping session
Need help to plan your stay, a car for your move, a hotel to stay… find it all in our guide
If you need any helpful number, for urgent situation, or just to keep them for a safety issue, follow the links