Rebuilding Education in Post-Liberation Syria: A Comparative Study of International Experiences
Executive Summary:
This report presents a comprehensive vision for reforming Syria’s educational system in the post-liberation phase, drawing on an analysis of the experiences of countries that have emerged from devastating conflicts, as well as those that have achieved globally recognized educational excellence. It is premised on the notion that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge or the reconstruction of physical infrastructure; rather, it is a critical driver for reshaping national identity, fostering civic values, repairing the damaged social fabric, and building a human capital base capable of leading the process of national revival.
The report examines the educational reconstruction efforts of several countries, including Germany after reunification, Rwanda after the genocide, and Bosnia and Herzegovina following the war. It also considers the educational models of advanced nations such as Finland, Singapore, and Canada, with the aim of extracting lessons that can be adapted to the Syrian context. The comparative analysis underscores that successful educational rebuilding requires an integrated approach that combines institutional reform, curriculum development, teacher training, and the integration of psychosocial support programs for students.
Subsequently, the report analyzes the current state of education in Syria in light of ongoing geographical and political fragmentation, and the severe consequences of the war, including the extensive destruction of educational infrastructure, the prolonged interruption of schooling for millions of children, and the loss or displacement of large numbers of qualified teachers. It stresses that any reform plan must address urgent priorities such as rehabilitating schools, ensuring equitable access to education across all regions, and aligning curricula with the objectives of national reconciliation and social integration.
The report also provides a set of practical recommendations, the most prominent of which include: establishing a unified national framework for educational reform grounded in the principles of inclusivity, equity, and innovation; integrating technology into the educational process to help bridge learning gaps and accelerate recovery; enhancing continuous professional development programs for teachers and requalifying educational staff; and embedding psychosocial components within educational programs to address the war’s impact on children and youth. It argues that the successful implementation of these recommendations requires effective partnerships between state institutions, civil society, and international organizations, as well as the provision of sustainable funding and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure quality and continuity.
The report concludes that rebuilding education in Syria is not merely a technical undertaking but a unifying national project—one that serves as the cornerstone for reconstructing the state and society on the foundations of justice, citizenship, and prosperity. It asserts that investment in education offers the highest long-term returns for securing a stable and thriving future for generations to come.
To read the full report click here (Arabic)
بكالوريوس في الترجمة ودبلوم إدارة أعمال، حاصلة على درجة الماجستير في العلاقات الدولية من جامعة kulture في تركيا، مهتمّة بالقضايا المجتمعية للسوريين في الداخل وفي تركيا.
