Starting and Sustaining Writing Centers in Lebanese Schools

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of a project initiated in 2016 that aimed to introduce school writing centers in Lebanon. A review of the literature at the time reflected an urgent need for pre-university writing support systems. The spread of school writing centers stemmed from the growth of a leading university writing center in Lebanon. The project spanned over 3 years and covered theoretical and practical components, with 20 schools, represented by 52 teachers, and three universities, represented by five faculty members, attending the sessions. As a result, six schools launched their own writing centers, adopting their own vision to cater to their diverse student populations. In 2018, a progress assessment was performed with the school directors, and in 2021, a questionnaire was shared with the same group to trace theirlong-term accomplishments and challenges. Findings showed the project not only met its aims, but also exceeded expectations, as schools across Lebanon established successful writing centers. Although the American model of university writing centers inspired the project, it was reshaped to serve the needs of ESL/EFL students. In future initiatives, it will be important to consider certain fiscal and administrative restrictions that some schools, especially public ones, might encounter.