2025 may have been a year of recovery for Lebanon, but it was also the year in which a record number of students began learning Computer Science and AI with CodeBrave.
More than 5,000 public school students across the country wrote their first lines of code in 2025 alone, during lessons delivered by their own teachers whom we trained and coached.
As of 2025, 10,000 students have learnt Computer Science and AI through CodeBrave programmes, building 21st-century skills and creating real-world solutions with tech.
With an update to the educational curriculum and a new AI framework launched in October 2025, digital skills are being increasingly recognised at the national level. But the path from policy to practice is often long. CodeBrave’s work, through teacher upskilling, curriculum integration, and collaboration with key stakeholders, has been building, and will continue to build, the capacity schools need to bring these policies to life.
Through partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF, Al Ghurair Foundation, and Choose Love, we’re expanding access to Computer Science and AI education through teacher upskilling, helping more young people in Lebanon to rediscover the joy of learning, to gain the skills to shape their futures, and to strengthen their communities.
2025 may have been a year of recovery for Lebanon, but it was also the year in which a record number of students began learning Computer Science and AI with CodeBrave.
More than 5,000 public school students across the country wrote their first lines of code in 2025 alone, during lessons delivered by their own teachers whom we trained and coached.
As of 2025, 10,000 students have learnt Computer Science and AI through CodeBrave programmes, building 21st-century skills and creating real-world solutions with tech.
With an update to the educational curriculum and a new AI framework launched in October 2025, digital skills are being increasingly recognised at the national level. But the path from policy to practice is often long. CodeBrave’s work, through teacher upskilling, curriculum integration, and collaboration with key stakeholders, has been building, and will continue to build, the capacity schools need to bring these policies to life.
Through partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF, Al Ghurair Foundation, and Choose Love, we’re expanding access to Computer Science and AI education through teacher upskilling, helping more young people in Lebanon to rediscover the joy of learning, to gain the skills to shape their futures, and to strengthen their communities.
10,000 stories towards a better Lebanon
This year, CodeBrave celebrated the 10,000 young people across Lebanon who have discovered the world of Computer Science and AI with us since 2020, learning to think critically, solve problems creatively, and build real-world solutions in our classrooms.
Every number is a name.
Every name is someone’s story.
A story of potential, growth, and change.
Every one of these stories began with belief in what Lebanese youth can achieve when given the chance.
Our Impact
School Upskilling Programme
(students aged 9–15)
School Upskilling Programme
(students aged 9–15)
Our School Upskilling Programme allows under-resourced schools to independently and sustainably deliver Computer Science and AI education to their students. Selected teachers receive a 36-hour capacity-building training delivered by our team which equips them with the skills they need to teach Computer Science and AI using various platforms and tools. Upon completing the programme successfully, teachers graduate as CodeBrave Teaching Fellows, receiving a certificate based on clearly defined performance indicators.
The trained teachers then begin delivering one or two weekly classes per group using CodeBrave lesson plans and materials. They are also coached by a dedicated CodeBrave mentor who provides ongoing guidance and feedback to support their growth as Computer Science and AI educators.
The Programme at a Glance
Why Hussein Came Back To School
“If we didn’t have computer class, I would’ve stopped attending school.”
Hussein, 15
In March, Hussein, a public school student in Beirut, was ready to drop out. At 15, he had lost faith in learning until his new Computer Science and AI class gave him something he hadn’t felt in a long time: motivation.
“I felt like my life changed,” he said. “We were learning something entirely new. I started looking forward to school, just so I could attend coding class. So I decided to stay.”
Through a partnership with UNICEF, we introduced Computer Science and AI classes to 25 public schools, including Hussein’s, this year. His chemistry teacher, Mariana, was one of 64 teachers who shadowed programme implementation to help sustain Computer Science and AI education in the future. She was the one who noticed the shift.
“Hussein’s whole attitude changed. He became focused and motivated, and for the first time, he started talking about his future.”
Mariana, Hussein’s Chemistry and Computer Science and AI teacher
Today, Hussein is thriving in Computer Science and AI class. He’s planning to specialise in programming at a vocational centre after graduation.
“I advise everyone to try coding,” he said. “Especially if you’re struggling in school. You’ll benefit a lot. And after class, you’ll feel like you can actually build something.”
“Students feel seen and capable.”
“Computer class makes me feel free. I can programme whatever I envision. And when it works, I feel happy and proud. I would love to become a programmer in the future. I think about this every day now.”
Mariam, 14
Before Mariam joined CodeBrave’s Computer Science and AI class at her public school, she rarely spoke and found it difficult to participate in lessons. Her science teacher, Mrs Nisreen, teaches many students who face emotional and educational challenges. Some are separated from their families for long periods; others come from residential institutions.
So when we planned to introduce our School Upskilling Programme, Nisreen wasn’t sure how Computer Science and AI education would fit into this environment or into her own teaching. But the change was immediate once she began implementing the classes.
“It was a breath of fresh air for the students and for us. They had this hidden treasure inside and showed it off in computer class. They surprised us.”
Nisreen, Mariam’s Science and Computer Science and AI teacher
Students who rarely engaged began focusing and collaborating to debug code. For the first time, many were eager to come to class. Mariam, once silent, started contributing actively. Nisreen was surprised when Mariam volunteered to share her story with us.
Web Development & AI Programme
(students aged 16-18)
Web Development Programme
(students aged 16-18)
Our Web Development & AI Programme gives youth aged 16-18 the opportunity to change their lives through building in-demand tech skills and getting internship experience on their CV.
Students are selected based on merit and complete eight months of online web development training (96 hours of class time with CodeBrave teachers and 192 hours of independent work). The course covers Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UX/UI design, and how to use AI-assisted code generation tools. Each student receives a laptop on loan and monthly internet packages so they can fully participate.
Alongside technical learning, the programme also focuses on soft skills (communication, time management, and collaboration), preparing students for future employment.
After the training, students complete four-month internships, where they build websites for real companies with guidance from mentors. This allows them to develop a professional portfolio and CV.
The Programme at a Glance
An Update From Leen
A Web Dev & AI Programme graduate
“Girls in STEM are not waiting for seats at the table; they are creating their own seats.”
Leen, 18
Having joined CodeBrave’s Web Development & AI Programme in 2022 with no background in Computer Science, Leen has since:
- Become an award-winning coder;
- Become one of Lebanon’s three TechGirls alumni in 2025;
- Been named a UNICEF advocate for girls in STEM;
- Founded “Nova Gen”, a non-profit initiative to encourage girls to explore the STEM field;
- Been awarded a full scholarship to study mechanical engineering at the American University of Beirut.
Driven by Grit: Ali Learnt Despite Everything
Ali joined CodeBrave’s Web Development & AI Programme in August 2024. Even when the war displaced Ali and his family, he never missed a session. Even without a laptop, he completed his assignments on his phone. His teacher, Mr Hazar, saw how his persistence set him apart.
Over the course of the programme, Ali grew from a shy student into a confident participant, building skills in programming, teamwork, and problem-solving. During his internship, he excelled and led his team to deliver their project on time and to the client’s satisfaction. His CodeBrave classes also encouraged him to pursue Computer Science at university.
“Ali’s dedication stood out, especially given the challenges he faced.”
Hazar, Ali’s teacher
Ali completed his first year at Lebanon’s public university amidst difficult circumstances but paused his studies in his second year due to teacher strikes and his aspiration to access a stronger education. He worked in a supermarket in his village in the South over the summer of 2025 to save money for a potential entrance to a private university, where he hopes to continue his Computer Science degree.
Alongside this, Ali is beginning to explore freelancing, starting with a real estate website he plans to build for a friend. He is determined to build a future in tech.
A Curriculum & Teaching Approach for Future-Ready Mindsets
Our Computer Science and AI curriculum is the result of eight years of real-world iteration in Lebanon’s education context. It draws from high-quality open-source global content, is adapted by local educators and computer scientists, and is continuously updated to reflect changes in the tech sector. The curriculum includes over 350 lesson plans and our programmes are accredited by STEM.org.
What We Teach
– Foundations of Programming & Computational Thinking
– Robotics & Physical Computing
– Artificial Intelligence Literacy & Tools
– Internet Safety & Digital Citizenship
– Core Computer Science Themes
– Future-Proof Soft Skills
How We Teach
– Emphasis on Future-Proof Skills
– Mirroring the Real World with Project-Based Learning
– Placing Students at the Centre
– Trauma-Informed Learning
– Evidence-Based Practices for K12 Computing Education
– Fun and Interactive
Through our curriculum, students develop technical abilities in programming, robotics, AI literacy, and digital skills, alongside core cognitive skills such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and planning. They also strengthen soft skills, including creativity, teamwork, and communication, and gain mindsets of resilience, self-learning, and confidence.
Measuring Outcomes
Measuring Outcomes
Our 2025 monitoring and evaluation has been our most comprehensive yet, capturing outcomes from 4,332 students (five times more student data than in 2024) and 36 teachers (for the first time).
Our 2025 monitoring and evaluation has been our most comprehensive yet, capturing outcomes from 4,332 students (five times more student data than in 2024) and 36 teachers (for the first time).
Student Outcomes
At the start of the school year, only 32% of students passed the MG-CSCI-based pre-test. By the end of the school year, the passing rate had risen to 81%, showing a strong improvement in students’ Computer Science and AI knowledge and skills.
Another endline study conducted in collaboration with UNICEF on 3,012 students showed a similar trend, with pass rates rising from 6% to 92%. The results were consistent among girls and boys.
Student Outcomes
A study of 36 public school teachers who participated in our School Upskilling Programme showed strong improvements in their ability to deliver Computer Science and AI. The results show that:
– Teachers’ technical scores rose from 51% to 82%.
– Teacher pass rates increased from 22% on the technical pre-test to 97% on the technical post-test.
Beyond skills, teachers reported major shifts in mindset, feeling more confident, ready, and committed to continue teaching Computer Science and AI in their classrooms:
– 100% Improved attitude towards Computer Science and motivation to teach it
– 95% Increased confidence to teach Computer Science and AI and likelihood to use CodeBrave resources to continue teaching
This progress translated directly into school-level sustainability.
86% of public schools that completed our full School Upskilling Programme continued to deliver it independently the following year.
CodeBrave x UNICEF: An In-Depth Look At This Collaboration
In partnership with UNICEF, CodeBrave reached 3,000+ students in 25 public schools, introducing Computer Science and AI education to learners with no prior access to STEM.
CodeBrave x UNICEF: An In-Depth Look At This Collaboration
In partnership with UNICEF, CodeBrave reached 3,000+ students in 25 public schools, introducing Computer Science and AI education to learners with no prior access to STEM.
Featured Students Projects
Featured Students Projects
Website For Consultancy Firm
In just 13 weeks, Web Development & AI Programme graduates Reina, Ammar, Maria, and Nour designed and built this website for a Kenya-based consultancy firm, working with support from a dedicated mentor.
Website For Couture Atelier
Web Development & AI Programme graduates Jawad, Malak, Yara, and Amro designed and built this website in just 14 weeks for a Syrian fashion designer based in Amsterdam, supported by a dedicated mentor.
Funding Partners
Funding Partners
Partners
Partners
School Partners
Ajiyal (Semi-Private School)
Aley El Gharbieh Public School
Al Amrousye Second Intermediate Mixed Public School
Al-Kawashra Official Mixed School
Al Kwayteya Public School
Al-Manara First Official Intermediate School
Ali Al-Nahri Official Secondary School
Al Mostakbal Public School
Al-Amrousiya First Mixed Intermediate School
Al-Abbasiya Official Intermediate School
Al-Abbasiya Official Secondary School
Al-Nahda Official Mixed School
Amshit Public School
Aramoun Mixed Intermediate Public School
Baal Mohsen Official Mixed School
Baissour Official Mixed Intermediate School
Barja for Girls Public School
Beddawi Second Official School for Girls
Borj el-Barajneh Third Mixed Official School
Chehim 3rd Public School
Chiyah First Mixed Public School
Dar Al Awlad Informal Education Centre
Deir Dalloum Public School
Douris Official Mixed School
Eben Khaldoun Public School for Girls
Fneidq Official Mixed Secondary School
Ghobeiry Second Mixed Official School
Heart for Lebanon Ghazieh & Zahle
Martyr President Rafik Hariri Official Mixed Secondary School
Masa Public School
Mayfadun Mixed Public School
Murbiah Marzouka Al-Mazqazq Official Intermediate School for Girls
Prince Shakib Arslan Mixed Intermediate School
Qab Elias Official Mixed Intermediate School
Qarqaf Mixed Public School
Rayak Public School
Raml El Zareef Public School
Rmeileh Public School
Sohmour First Official School
Tahaddi Informal Education Centre
Tal Al-Abyad Official Mixed Intermediate School
Tebbaneh Official Intermediate School
Wata Al Mousaitbeh Mixed Public School
Zahieh Salman Official Secondary School
Thought Leadership & Advocacy
Thought Leadership & Advocacy
In 2025, national momentum for Computer Science and AI education grew significantly in Lebanon, and CodeBrave contributed to these conversations through collaboration, research sharing, and policy engagement.
Engaging National Leadership
CodeBrave met with Lebanon’s new Minister of Education to discuss the future of Computer Science and AI in public schools and how the national curriculum reform can embed digital skills for all learners. This dialogue marks an important step toward long-term integration of Computer Science and AI education in the public system.
^ In the photo: CodeBrave’s Co-Directors, Partnership Lead, and Senior Teacher Trainer with the Minister of Education, H.E. Dr Rima Karami
The Minister of Information Technology and AI visited one of our partner public school classrooms, observing students learning coding and robotics with their upskilled teacher and discovering their real-world solutions for agritech problems. He expressed support for CodeBrave’s work in bringing practical AI and tech literacy to public schools.
^ In the photo: The Minister of Tech and AI, H.E. Dr Kamal Shehadi during the visit
A Growing Network
Senior developers and AI researchers from Lebanon’s leading tech companies joined our Web Development & AI Programme graduation to share their experience with students. The event featured speakers like Reine Metlej (Forbes 30 under 30) and received support from partners like CME Offshore, 42 Beirut, and Beirut Digital District, reflecting the growing network of professionals and organisations standing behind CodeBrave’s work.
> In the photo: CodeBrave’s Head of Operations x Reine Metlej
Sharing Knowledge and Research
At Sommet École du Futur at ESA Business School, CodeBrave’s Co-Founder and Co-Director Clem Brown spoke about why Computer Science still matters in the age of AI, an argument that is part of an upcoming paper we’re developing (read below for a sneak peek). At SMEX’s Bread&Net Conference, Clem spoke about the shared responsibility of the public, private, and non-profit sectors in expanding Computer Science and AI education and powering opportunities for Lebanon’s youth.
^ In the photo: CodeBrave’s Co-Director at ESA Business School
Our Curriculum Manager also presented one year of data and learnings from implementing Computer Science and AI education in Lebanon at TransformED at the American University of Beirut (AUB), highlighting what it takes to deliver impactful, scalable, and locally relevant tech education programmes.
^ In the photo: CodeBrave’s Curriculum Manager at AUB
If AI Can Code, Why Are We Still Teaching Coding?
Sneak peek at our upcoming paper co-written by Eliana Sleiman, CodeBrave’s Co-Director and Head of Programmes (< in the photo) and Sherif Maktabi, AI Product Leader and ex-Amazon product lead
We teach coding because it builds the foundational skills young people need to be confident shapers of technology, rather than passive consumers.
In coding class, students aren’t only learning syntax; they are learning to break down complex problems and design innovative solutions using Computer Science fundamentals. This foundation is what will allow them to effectively use AI tools, critically evaluate outputs, and safely implement solutions.
At CodeBrave, students first learn the fundamentals of programming, AI, and Machine Learning. They then utilise AI tools to aid in problem-solving, mirroring the collaborative approach required in the real world.
Challenges
Challenges
Recovery From Conflict and Teacher Strikes
Schools began in 2025 while still recovering from the disruptions of last year’s conflict. Many public schools also faced on-and-off teacher strikes, which affected attendance, timetables, and class continuity. For CodeBrave, the outcome meant adapting our School Upskilling Programme to irregular implementation patterns and providing extra mentoring to help teachers stay on track. Despite these challenges, teacher commitment remained strong: 86% of schools continued delivering Computer Science and AI classes throughout the academic year and began again this year.
Shifts in Funding Contexts and Priorities
This year, many donors redirected their attention and funding to crises in other regions (Education Cannot Wait, 2024), and within Lebanon, support shifted toward non-educational programmes as the country began recovering from the war (Reuters, 2025). This reduced the availability of long-term education grants, making it essential for CodeBrave to further strengthen and diversify its funding model. While 20% of our income currently comes from our social enterprise, the changing donor landscape required our team to strategise and adjust priorities to begin reaching other types of donors and securing initial support. These early steps are laying the foundation for our new fundraising goal: for 30% of our grant income to come from corporate partners by 2027. Building this corporate support base is key to sustaining our growth in a shifting funding environment.
Recovery From Conflict and Teacher Strikes
Schools began in 2025 while still recovering from the disruptions of last year’s conflict. Many public schools also faced on-and-off teacher strikes, which affected attendance, timetables, and class continuity. For CodeBrave, the outcome meant adapting our School Upskilling Programme to irregular implementation patterns and providing extra mentoring to help teachers stay on track. Despite these challenges, teacher commitment remained strong: 86% of schools continued delivering Computer Science and AI classes throughout the academic year and began again this year.
Shifts in Funding Contexts and Priorities
This year, many donors redirected their attention and funding to crises in other regions (Education Cannot Wait, 2024), and within Lebanon, support shifted toward non-educational programmes as the country began recovering from the war (Reuters, 2025). This reduced the availability of long-term education grants, making it essential for CodeBrave to further strengthen and diversify its funding model. While 20% of our income currently comes from our social enterprise, the changing donor landscape required our team to strategise and adjust priorities to begin reaching other types of donors and securing initial support. These early steps are laying the foundation for our new fundraising goal: for 30% of our grant income to come from corporate partners by 2027. Building this corporate support base is key to sustaining our growth in a shifting funding environment.
Financial Sustainability Through Our Social Enterprise
Financial Sustainability Through Our Social Enterprise
20% of our annual revenue came from our growing social enterprise initiatives this year.
CodeBrave Tutors, our online coding, robotics, and AI tutoring service, has now taught over 310 children worldwide. Operating on a one-for-one model, every paid tutoring class directly funds a Computer Science and AI class for a child in a disadvantaged area in Lebanon, with all profits supporting our charitable programmes.
We also continued collaborating with private schools in Lebanon, most notably Eastwood Kfarshima, to deliver STEM classes directly to their students. This partnership reinforces our belief that all students in Lebanon deserve access to quality Computer Science and AI education and plays an important role in strengthening our self-generated revenue as we work toward long-term financial sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
CodeBrave has grown from a grassroots project for 20 children at a single orphanage in 2018 to reaching 10,000 students this year, more than double the number we reached last year.
In 2026, we will continue expanding our School Upskilling Programme in public schools across Lebanon, supporting more teachers to deliver Computer Science and AI independently in their classrooms. As the national curriculum and AI frameworks evolve, our goal is to support national efforts to ensure Computer Science and AI become consistent timetabled subjects for learners aged 10+.
Over the coming years, we plan to deepen collaborations with public institutions and private-sector partners to build a sustainable model that can grow nationwide.
We remain on track for our vision: to reach 20,000 students by 2027 and to support Lebanon in rolling out Computer Science and AI education across all public schools, equipping learners with the skills and mindsets they need for the future.
Donate
You can contribute to CodeBrave’s work by donating to CodeBrave Foundation, a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1188692.
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