In northwest Syria, where daily challenges weigh heavily on the education sector, this reality goes beyond mere words… Amidst war and conflict, education becomes more than just a right; it transforms into a powerful tool, arming future generations with the ability to shape change. Yet, the absence of sustained support for the educational sector, coupled with deepening economic crises, threatens this vital lifeline, leaving both teachers and students struggling to wield the power of learning against overwhelming odds.
As funding for education dwindles, many teachers are forced to seek alternative sources of income. This shift pulls them away from their classrooms, eroding their capacity to meet the needs of their students effectively. A report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) paints a grim picture: 57% of children cannot access primary schools, and an alarming 80% lack access to secondary education.
In response to this crisis, humanitarian organisations are working alongside education directorates to implement urgent measures aimed at supporting teachers and the learning process. However, the challenges extend beyond just staffing—there’s also a significant shortage of educational materials and essential logistical supplies, leaving schools ill-equipped to deliver quality education.
WATAN has partnered with relevant authorities to provide support to the newly established Tal Al-Karama School in northern Idlib. WATAN’s team conducted an on-site assessment to identify the school’s most pressing needs. Following this evaluation, WATAN provided salaries for teachers and key administrative personnel. This financial support is a cornerstone for ensuring the continuity of education, enabling educators to focus on their mission: nurturing a generation of children equipped to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In addition, WATAN supplied essential logistical materials such as whiteboards, pens, and notebooks—basic yet crucial tools that keep classrooms functional and foster effective learning environments. Recognising the burden faced by families living in extreme hardship, WATAN also distributed school bags and stationery supplies to students. For many parents struggling to meet basic living expenses, these contributions alleviate the financial pressure and ensure their children are not deprived of the tools they need to learn.
Tal Al-Karama School continues to thrive, providing education to countless children who might otherwise be left behind. WATAN continues to expand its educational support across Syria. Ongoing needs assessments in major cities such as Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Damascus ensure that interventions are targeted and effective, reinforcing the resilience of the country’s fragile education system.
The challenges facing education in northwest Syria cannot be viewed in isolation—they are deeply intertwined with the country’s broader humanitarian crisis. The obstacles in this sector cast long shadows over future generations, highlighting the urgent need for stronger local and international collaboration to safeguard the right to education and improve learning conditions in this vulnerable region.
Sustained support for education isn’t just important; it’s essential. Without it, the dreams of countless children risk being lost to the echoes of conflict. In this fragile landscape, both international and local support are key to unlocking brighter futures—futures where education triumphs over adversity, and hope flourishes beyond the ruins of war.