Damascus, Jan. 26 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it has begun preparations to introduce Kurdish-language curricula in schools nationwide, following the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026.
The ministry said in a statement that it gave instructions to develop Kurdish-language textbooks for all educational levels within six months, with the aim of rolling out the curriculum before the start of the next academic year. The task has been assigned to the National Center for Curriculum Development.
It added that the move reflects official recognition of Syria’s Kurdish population as an integral part of the country, describing Kurdish cultural and linguistic identity as a core component of Syria’s “diverse and unified” national identity.
Under the new framework, Kurdish will be taught as an elective subject in public and private schools located in areas with significant Kurdish populations. The subject will be offered for two class periods per week across all grade levels. While grades will be recorded, they will not affect students’ promotion or failure.
Education authorities have also been instructed to recruit qualified Kurdish-language teachers, either from within the existing workforce or externally. The ministry further announced the launch of specialized training programs for Kurdish-language teachers, including initial certification courses and ongoing professional development.
Provincial education departments, in coordination with local governors, will determine which schools will offer Kurdish-language instruction based on demographic data and available resources. Schools that already teach Kurdish will continue operating under their current programs until the new curricula are formally approved.
A central oversight committee chaired by the Minister of Education has been formed to supervise implementation, address logistical and staffing needs, and respond to issues that may arise during the rollout.
