A new chapter for education in Syria: Back-to-Learning campaign presents new opportunities to millions of students in Syria

Damascus, 21 September 2025– For the first time in over a decade, children across Syria will return to school under a unified national calendar and education framework—offering renewed hope for a more cohesive and inclusive learning environment.

This milestone signals a new chapter in Syria’s efforts to rebuild its education system, long fractured by years of conflict and displacement. UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is supporting the “Back-to-Learning” campaign to help ensure that every child can reclaim their right to education.

Across the country, over 2.4 million children remain out-of-school, and more than 1 million are at risk of dropping out. The barriers to quality inclusive education are many: insecurity, poverty, displacement, or disability. One in three schools is still unusable – either damaged, destroyed, or converted into shelter.

“This school year brings a new momentum for the education sector,” said Ms Meritxell Relaño Arana, UNICEF Representative in Syria. “The unified school calendar is a historic step towards equity, stability, and long-term learning pathways. We must seize this moment to reach every child, especially those who’ve been left behind.”

Education is not only a fundamental right; it is a lifeline and a shield. Without it, children are more vulnerable to exploitation, trauma, and intergenerational poverty.

UNICEF is calling on partners, families, and communities to rally behind the campaign and ensure every child is back to learning. Together, we must:

• Get every child back to learning, with a focus on displaced and at-risk children;
• Rebuild and equip schools – safe classrooms, trained teachers, learning materials, and psychosocial support;
• Break barriers to access – support families in need and extend education to hard-to-reach areas.

Education is a fundamental child’s right, and a key pathway to recovery. Every child, regardless of their background or where they live, must have access to inclusive quality learning and be empowered to rebuild their future.

“No child should be denied the chance to learn, grow, and shape a better future,” added Relaño Arana. “Let us work together to turn this into reality.”