In a move aimed at supporting rehabilitation and reintegration, Syria’s Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, opened fully equipped examination halls inside several prisons, including Adra, Homs and Deir Ezzor Central Prisons.
The initiative allows inmates and detainees to sit for Basic Education Certificate examinations while serving their sentences, enabling them to continue their studies and prepare for life after release. A total of 176 inmates registered for this year’s examinations, including 126 candidates for the Basic Education Certificate and 50 for the Secondary School Certificate.
Education as a Path to Reintegration
Hamza Huraira, director of the Media Office at the Ministry of Education, told Al-Thawra newspaper the initiative reflects the ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities and support inmate rehabilitation. He said access to education can help participants reintegrate into society and build better prospects for the future.
The Ministry of Interior’s Public Relations Office described the program as an important component of inmate rehabilitation, noting it aligns with international human rights standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, formally known as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. According to the ministry, educational opportunities inside correctional facilities contribute to personal development and support successful reintegration after release.
Preparations Ensure Exam Integrity
Officials said extensive preparations took place before the examinations began. Examination halls were equipped with appropriate lighting, ventilation, seating and drinking water, while measures were introduced to ensure privacy and maintain a suitable testing environment.
Security personnel remain responsible for protecting the examination sites and preventing disruptions during testing. Coordination between the two ministries also included the deployment of independent monitoring teams tasked with overseeing exam procedures and ensuring academic integrity.
The examinations are available to all eligible inmates who meet the Ministry of Education’s academic requirements, including the necessary educational qualifications and completion of prerequisite coursework.
New Centers Across the Prison System
The Public Relations Office stated planning for the initiative involved multiple stages, including securing curricula and textbooks, establishing registration procedures and issuing examination cards to participating inmates.
As part of the project, authorities have established six examination centers within prisons across Syria. Officials said the centers comply with the same standards and regulations applied to civilian examination facilities. Certificates issued to successful candidates will be identical to those awarded outside the prison system.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Examinations
Authorities say the program is intended to extend beyond secondary education. The Ministry of Interior revealed plans to establish a branch of the Syrian Virtual University inside Adra Prison as a pilot project, with the possibility of expanding the model to other correctional facilities in the future.
The ministry is also developing vocational workshops and training programs within prisons. Officials said the long-term objective is to strengthen the rehabilitative role of correctional institutions by providing inmates with educational and practical skills that can support their reintegration into society after release.
