A better place to learn, return and rebuild
Through the PROSPECTS partnership, UNICEF is supporting children and communities with better access to safer and more inclusive education and opportunities as families return and rebuild their lives.
Al-Razi school, Al-Bahluniyah, rural Homs - In Homs Governorate, UNICEF’s rehabilitation of schools is helping children learn in safer, more inclusive and better-equipped environments.
Al-Razi Secondary School in Al-Bahluniyah village is one of the schools rehabilitated by UNICEF with support from the PROSPECTS Partnership. Serving students from Grades 7 to 12, the school had faced years of limited maintenance, water leakage and earthquake-related damage. Classrooms had damaged walls and ceilings, sanitation facilities were in poor condition, and frequent electricity cuts disrupted the school day. For children with disabilities, the lack of accessible facilities created additional barriers.
“Before the rehabilitation, the school faced serious challenges. Damaged classrooms, insufficient student seating and muddy access pathways during winter made it difficult to provide a suitable learning environment for our students,” said Ahmad, the School Principal.
With support from the PROSPECTS Partnership, UNICEF repaired and repainted classrooms, waterproofed roofs and refurbished desks and other school furniture. Water and sanitation facilities were improved and expanded, while accessible facilities and ramps are making the school easier to navigate for children with disabilities.
A solar energy system provides a more reliable source of electricity, while improvements to lighting, ventilation and the school grounds are creating a more welcoming environment for learning.
The improvements extend beyond the classroom. A new entrance and improved access pathways make it easier for students to reach the school, while a new basketball court gives them more space to play, interact and take part in physical activities.
“The improvements have made a huge difference to our school. Our students now have better classrooms, adequate seating, improved sanitation facilities and a more welcoming environment. We have also seen greater enthusiasm among students and a more positive atmosphere for teaching and learning,” said Ahmad.
The improvements come as the school welcomes more children. Enrolment has increased from around 260 students before the intervention to approximately 338 today, including children who have returned to Syria or arrived from other areas, particularly from Lebanon.
For students, teachers and the wider community, the rehabilitation of Al-Razi Secondary School is about more than repairing a building. With UNICEF’s support, the school is once again a place where children can learn, build friendships and regain a sense of stability and belonging.
Through the PROSPECTS partnership, supported by the Government of the Netherlands, UNICEF is helping children and young people in Syria, particularly returnees and vulnerable communities, rebuild their lives and look towards the future. By improving learning environments and expanding access to education and skills, the invaluable partnership is creating opportunities for children and young people while strengthening social cohesion and community resilience.
