Building strong foundations for every child
UNICEF supports Early Childhood Education trainers to strengthen school readiness and promote children’s holistic development across Syria
UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, supported 60 Early Childhood Education (ECE) trainers to complete a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) at the Regional Centre for Early Childhood Development in Damascus. The training brought together a network of trainers from 14 governorates working on school readiness programmes for five-year-old children.
The initiative aims to strengthen school readiness by helping children develop academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a successful transition to primary school, recognising that early childhood is a critical stage for lifelong learning and development.
UNICEF/UN0876222/Johnny Shahan
UNICEF/UN0876208/Johnny Shahan
Iman, an Early Childhood Education trainer, shared:
“We explored new topics within the Early Childhood Education package that resonated with participants, including how to support the integration of bilingual returnee children into their classrooms and communities.”
UNICEF/UN0876206/Johnny Shahan
UNICEF/UN0876216/Johnny Shahan
“Strengthening the capacities of trainers is key to improving the quality of education on the ground and ensuring children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to transition successfully into school,”
said Yamen, UNICEF Education Officer.
UNICEF/UN0876214/Johnny Shahan
“When caregivers are well equipped, they can better support children’s brain development, strengthen their learning and well-being, and respond more effectively to emerging challenges.”
The training enhanced participants’ knowledge and introduced updated methodologies to improve support to educators and caregivers, with a focus on positive discipline, child-centred approaches, and holistic child development. Participants were also introduced to practical digital tools, including educational applications, artificial intelligence, and remote learning approaches to expand their reach.
It additionally addressed emerging challenges, including the reintegration of returning children and the inclusion of bilingual learners exposed to different languages and education systems. Trainers explored practical strategies to support these children, while strengthening their capacity to provide psychosocial support to those experiencing distress or trauma.
“We made every effort to rely on interactive activities and the exchange of experience, alongside technical content that strengthens the capacities of trainers and enriches their practice.”
“We came with expectations, but this training exceeded them. It expanded our knowledge, refined our experience, and the exchange with colleagues from other governorates greatly enriched the learning.”
“I will share the knowledge I gained not only with early childhood educators, but also with my wider community, including family and friends, as it is valuable for everyone.”
“The exchange of experiences and knowledge across different governorates brought real value to the sessions.”
“The topics I found most valuable, especially for ECE educators in my area, were supporting bilingual children and using digital learning tools.”
“A child’s development, from the prenatal stage up to the age of eight, is a foundational period for their entire life. Empowering us to provide the care needed in these early years helps shape their future learning, behaviour, and well-being in a positive way.”
“This is the first year that early childhood classes have been introduced in public schools in Idlib, and the need to equip educators is high. This training, and the exchange of experiences with colleagues from other governorates, has strengthened my skills to better support early childhood educators.”
“I am committed to sharing everything I have learned with early childhood educators in my area. In particular, the key qualities educators need to build positive relationships with children and foster meaningful interaction.”
This intervention was made possible through the generous contributions of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank and the Republic of Korea.
By strengthening the capacity of Early Childhood Education trainers, UNICEF and its partners are contributing to improved quality of early learning and care across Syria, helping children build the skills they need to learn, grow and thrive.
