Syria’s Education Ministry says the need for rebuilding schools in the eastern provinces remains significant after years of disruption and damage to infrastructure. Education Minister Muhammad Turko said the situation stems from prolonged neglect by previous regimes, interrupted schooling and widespread destruction that affected both facilities and staffing.
In a recent statement, Turko outlined steps taken since the beginning of the year to restore access to education. He said the ministry reopened 2,236 schools within 100 days, allowing over 500,000 students to return to classrooms. Nearly 38,000 teachers and administrative staff also resumed work, he added.
The ministry reactivated 42 educational complexes and begun paying salaries to personnel who completed administrative procedures. Officials say these measures aim to stabilize the education system and restore basic services in affected areas.
Emergency Plans Target Infrastructure and Learning Gaps
Alongside reopening schools, the ministry introduced an emergency response plan to address ongoing challenges. The plan focuses on repairing damaged buildings and ensuring that children across the region can access education.
A central concern is the accumulated loss of education during years of interrupted schooling. Turko said the ministry plans to address this through training programs fro instructors and targeted initiatives designed to help students catch up.
These programs will take place during the summer break and aim to reinforce core subjects while helping students transition back into regular study routines. Officials say the approach is intended to balance immediate recovery with longer-term improvements in education quality.
Government Coordination Supports Recovery Efforts
Turko pointed to coordination across government institutions as a key factor in the progress so far. He said the General Secretariat of the Presidency, along with provincial authorities and education officials, supports efforts to restart the school system.
The ministry launched its field plan on Feb. 4, focusing on restoring education in several eastern regions, including Raqqa, Deir Ezzor and Hasakah. Additional targeted areas in the Aleppo countryside, such as Deir Hafr and Maskanah.
Officials say the goal is restoring regular schooling while creating conditions allowing students and teachers to return safely. Although challenges remain, the ministry says current efforts mark an initial step toward rebuilding the education system and improving access for communities across the region.
