Damascus, Oct. 29 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Social Affairs has reopened a juvenile rehabilitation center in Qudsaya, near Damascus, following a year-long renovation, as authorities seek to expand education, vocational training and psychological support for young offenders.
The Khalid bin al-Walid Juvenile Care and Rehabilitation Center was inaugurated Thursday by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in cooperation with the Governorate of Damascus countryside.
The facility will accommodate juveniles over the age of 16 and provide schooling, health care, counseling, sports activities and vocational training aimed at helping residents reintegrate into society after completing their sentences.
Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Kabawat said rehabilitation required coordinated efforts by government institutions, international organizations and local communities.
She stressed that young offenders should be treated as children in need of guidance and support rather than being defined by their past mistakes.
Kabawat said the center would provide educational and social programs alongside psychological support to help residents develop the skills needed to rebuild their lives.
Governor of Damascus countryside, Amer al-Sheikh said the facility had undergone extensive renovation after years of poor conditions, with support from the Rahma Without Borders organization.
The renovated center includes classrooms, dormitories, medical facilities, sports areas and vocational workshops.
Abdul Razzaq Mohammed, director of Social Affairs and Labor in Rural Damascus, said residents would receive training in around eight technical and manual trades, including carpentry and electrical work.
The programs are designed to equip young people with practical skills that could improve their employment prospects after release.
Mohammed said authorities also planned to rehabilitate a separate center for younger juveniles.
Education officials have established a school within the facility to provide literacy classes, basic mathematics and Arabic instruction.
They said the school would also offer ninth-grade courses, allowing residents to sit for Syria’s Basic Education Certificate examinations.
Officials emphasized the importance of continued support after release to reduce the risk of reoffending and help former residents return to education, employment and community life.
The reopening follows other government initiatives to expand rehabilitation services for young offenders, including the establishment of a cultural center at the al-Ghazali Juvenile Care and Rehabilitation Institute in Qudsaya last year.
R.H/Abd
