Damascus, Feb. 15 (SANA) Syria’s Education Ministry on Sunday unveiled a new curriculum designed to expand access to learning and help students who have fallen behind re-enter the education system, in cooperation with the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF.
The program, titled “Empowered Learning Curriculum,” was introduced at an event in Damascus as an accredited and inclusive pathway aimed at strengthening students’ skills and promoting self-directed learning.
According to the ministry, the curriculum targets students from first through ninth grade and is built on principles of equity and inclusion. It is intended to support children who have dropped out of school or been unable to attend formal classes, offering an alternative academic track to help them resume their education.
Deputy Education Minister Youssef Annan said the initiative represents a significant step in modernizing Syria’s education system. He said the curriculum is designed to reduce learning gaps and equip students with core competencies aligned with international standards.
UNICEF Representative to Syria Meritxell Relaño Arana said the program is more than a set of lessons, calling it a “gateway to hope” for children affected by years of disruption. She said the curriculum provides a nationally accredited route for self-learning and skills development, enabling students to return to formal education in a dignified and structured manner.
Officials said the curriculum includes 57 textbooks covering core subjects such as Arabic, English, French, mathematics and science, as well as nine self-learning guides titled “How Do I Learn.” The materials are designed to allow students greater flexibility in managing their studies.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to address learning gaps and rebuild educational pathways following years of conflict and disruption in the country.
