Damascus, June 9 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Education and Save the Children on Tuesday presented findings from an assessment that identified significant barriers to equitable and inclusive education, including inadequate school facilities, transportation challenges and limited awareness of inclusion concepts.
The findings were presented during a two-day workshop in Damascus attended by representatives of government institutions and international and local organizations. The event aims to review challenges facing the education sector and support the development of more inclusive education policies.
According to the assessment, most schools are not adequately equipped to accommodate children with disabilities, while gaps in water and sanitation services affect safety, dignity and school retention, particularly among adolescent girls. Long travel distances and transportation difficulties were also identified as barriers to attendance.
The assessment found that although local communities generally support education and inclusion, awareness of inclusive education remains limited, reaching 14 percent among displaced populations in camps, compared with 19 percent in urban areas and 29 percent in rural communities.
Speaking at the workshop, Education Minister Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko said building an education system based on equal opportunities remains a priority for the ministry, which is working to ensure access to education for all children.
Turko said 1,370 schools have been rehabilitated nationwide and 2,350 schools reopened in Syria’s eastern region over the past three months, helping thousands of students return to school.
He also highlighted measures to support students returning from abroad, including the “Arabic is Life” program to address language barriers and flexible enrollment procedures that allow students to complete documentation requirements after registration.
The minister added that activity rooms have been established in schools to promote educational and humanitarian values, including equality, tolerance and social cohesion.
Head of the Planning and Statistics Authority Anas Salim said the challenges facing the education sector after years of war require coordinated efforts among government institutions and development partners.
Hamza Barhoum, Director of Operations and Programs at Save the Children, stressed the importance of sustaining joint efforts to ensure all children in Syria have access to quality, inclusive education that supports recovery and reconstruction.
Bem Tivkaa, Chief of Party for Education at Save the Children, praised cooperation with the Ministry of Education in conducting the assessment and called for using its findings to improve education quality and expand equal opportunities for learners across Syria.
Inclusive education seeks to integrate children with disabilities and other marginalized groups into mainstream classrooms through learning environments and curricula adapted to their needs.
M.Q.R
