As the Syrian regime takes control of the areas in southern Syria, parents await the rehabilitation of basic services, especially the education sector, as the majority of schools have been destroyed or suffer from a severe shortage of educational supplies and tools.
Jihad, a former official of an educational institution supported by civil society organizations, said that some organizations had previously tried to promote this sector by working to establish kindergartens and educational and psychological support centers, as well as to rehabilitate some schools and promote advanced teaching techniques.
However, despite strenuous efforts, the Syrian interim government (the opposition) has not succeeded in achieving international recognition of secondary diplomas and basic education certificates issued by local schools. The alternative education centers, which have spread during the opposition’s control, always depend on the support of educational organizations.
A teacher at schools of the Syrian regime in Daraa said: “The educational situation in southern Syria has not seen any noticeable improvement, despite the start of the new school year and the regime’s control over the southern region and its commitment to introduce basic services.”
“None of the schools that have been destroyed or bombarded was rehabilitated so far,” he added.
The teacher explained that challenges that face the educational situation in southern Syria were reflected in overcrowded classrooms, the absence of logistical supplies, and the lack of schools and educational centers, which all generate great pressure on the students.
Nohad al-Abdallah, a sociologist from Daraa, emphasized the problem of students abandoning schools, despite the imposition by the Syrian government of the Compulsory Education Law.
“Several conditions combined have caused many students to leave school, the most important of which are internal displacement, the targeting of schools, high prices and poor economic conditions, in addition to the need for the children to work to assist their families,” according to Abdallah.
Jamal, a resident of Daraa, said that the financial burdens did not differ from the past. The prices of school uniforms, stationery supplies and other school equipment did not witness any drop, but remained the same or even increased.
With the lack of employment opportunities, limited commercial movement, high prices and low labor fees, parents face significant challenges that prevent them from meeting all the educational needs of their children.
