A teacher with his students in a damaged school in the Eastern Ghouta (Damascus, Syria) – October 09, 2017. Yusuf Bustani/Anadolu Agency/Getty
Damascus, the biggest city in Syria, has always been considered the main center of education in the Syrian territory. The city houses the University of Damascus, the oldest and largest university in the country, and many primary and preparatory schools. Today, however, the dramatic situation caused by the Syrian armed conflict has made access to education highly difficult, if not even impossible.
The ongoing civil war has deeply impacted the Syrian governmental education system, making children pay the heaviest price. As UNICEF reports, in 2019, over 2 million children – which represent about 30% of Syrian entire child population – were out-of-school, while 1,3 million children were at risk of dropping out. According to the UN Agency, due to the lack of adequate facilities and flight of teachers, Syria is likely to face the prospect of a “lost generation” in terms of education.
Over time, Damascus has experienced a significant decrease in enrolment. Fighting and shelling have damaged and destroyed many schools in the capital, leaving children without the possibility to meet up with friends and attend classes. Many educational facilities have been used for military purposes or turned into shelters for displaced people. Furthermore, the tragic conditions that affect the Syrian region have forced many parents to keep their children at home or ask them to work and contribute to the family income.
Today, despite the difficulties, in many areas of Damascus, children have finally started going to school again. In Eastern Ghouta, in the suburbs of Damascus, various non-governmental organizations have recently carried out the renovation of some school buildings. Similarly, in Douma, close to the capital, the school bell has rung again.
Education represents the most valuable way to ensure children’s well-being and the future of a country. The response to the emergency situation in Damascus has been strengthened, but other efforts must be made to address the challenges of access to education.
By Simone M. Russo