Overhaul in Syrian Schools' Educational System Sparks Widespread Apprehension among Public
Amidst Syria's ongoing transition, the education sector is experiencing significant changes, with the revised curriculum reflecting a more Islamic perspective and a focus on national unity. The new curriculum's announcement has sparked a mix of reactions from the public, with some welcoming the reforms and others expressing concerns.
Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri has assured that the core of the curriculum will not undergo substantial alteration until specialized review committees are formed. Meanwhile, the Islamist-led governing authorities have made adjustments to the educational curriculum, with references to ancient deities worshipped in Syria prior to Islam and their associated imagery being excluded.
One of the most notable changes is the replacement of the term "Defending the nation" with "Defending Allah" in the revised curriculum, and the erasure of all references to the Assad administration from all subjects. This decision has been a point of contention for some, with activists expressing skepticism, believing that the unilateral decisions regarding the curriculum contradict the promises of inclusivity and cooperation.
However, recent developments reveal a significant step toward integrating different educational stakeholders. There has been an agreement between the Education Authority of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Ministry of Education of the Damascus government to organize middle and high school exams based on the Damascus curriculum. This agreement has been welcomed by students for alleviating difficulties related to fragmented exam registration and for providing smoother access to education under a unified system.
The Education Authority has also established joint registration centers across multiple cantons (Deir ez-Zor, al-Jazira, Raqqa, Tabqa, Euphrates) to facilitate students’ exam registrations based on the former Syrian regime's curriculum, reflecting a collaborative effort between the local administration and Syrian government authorities.
This process exhibits an effort to include broader sectors of society (students, educational administrations from different regions, and government bodies) in shaping the educational experience, aiming for an orderly, coordinated approach that mitigates prior fragmentation and difficulties.
Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education is also engaging in initiatives that align educational outcomes with labor market needs through digital transformation and scientific research, indicating a broader systemic reform in education that involves multiple sectors such as government ministries, international bodies, and the private sector.
The transitional government has emphasized its commitment to a National Dialogue Conference, indicating engagement with various groups, including Christians, Kurds, artists, and intellectuals. Activists, having returned to Syria after prolonged absences, are wary that their voices may not be adequately heard as the country transitions under new leadership. However, they urge for a participatory approach to any future amendments in the education sector or other governmental entities.
As Syria navigates its future, the demand for comprehensive discussions and collaboration remains crucial as the country seeks to build a new foundation. The ongoing collaboration and pragmatic approach to curriculum implementation and exam coordination reflect an ongoing, inclusive process aimed at unifying educational policy and practice amidst complex political realities.
- The ongoing National Dialogue Conference in Syria, which includes Christians, Kurds, artists, and intellectuals, emphasizes the importance of a participatory approach in shaping future amendments, not just in the education sector, but also in other governmental entities.
- Despite concerns raised by some activists, progress in Syria's education sector, such as the collaboration between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Damascus government in organizing middle and high school exams, demonstrates a commitment to an orderly, coordinated approach, bridging the gap between different political entities and educational systems, and signifying a step towards general-news, education-and-self-development, and politics reconciliation.
