Photo essay

Creating safer learning environments in Syria

UNICEF is strengthening teachers’ capacity to promote participatory learning and reduce violence in schools

By: UNICEF Syria

Noura, a teacher, takes part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools. — UNICEF/UNI864466/Johnny Shahan

18 September 2025

Bab Sharqi, Damascus - Violence in schools threatens children’s safety, dignity, and ability to learn. In Syria, where children have endured years of conflict and hardship, the need to ensure safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments is more urgent than ever.

To address this, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, launched the “Safe School Initiative” in 2024. The programme promotes positive discipline and collective action to reduce violence in schools. Its three-pronged approach includes training sessions for educators, student clubs and open days featuring arts and sports activities, and well-being initiatives for educational staff.

In 2024, 24 national trainers trained 972 education personnel from 36 schools across six governorates, laying the foundation for national scale-up.

In 2025, the initiative expanded significantly. 97 national trainers delivered intensive five-day workshops in 12 governorates, reaching around 8,610 education staff from 287 schools, including teachers, counsellors, and school managers. The training focused on identifying, preventing, and responding to violence, as well as mental health, psychosocial support, and effective classroom management.

At the Bab Sharqi Training Centre in Damascus, a series of workshops on mitigating school violence were conducted in 2025.

Salma, a trainer, holds out her hands as she explains something. — UNICEF/UNI864454/Johnny Shahan Salma, a trainer, conducts a UNICEF-supported workshop for education staff on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “These trainings are vital to equip teachers with alternative tools for classroom management. They help ensure discipline and respect among students without resorting to violence,” she said.

UNICEF/UNI864454/Johnny Shahan Salma, a trainer, conducts a UNICEF-supported workshop for education staff on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “These trainings are vital to equip teachers with alternative tools for classroom management. They help ensure discipline and respect among students without resorting to violence,” she said.

Salma, a trainer, conducts a UNICEF-supported workshop for education staff on mitigating violence in schools. — UNICEF/UNI864464/Johnny Shahan Salma, a trainer, conducts a UNICEF-supported workshop for education staff on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the participating teachers. They were eager to find solutions, and our exchange of experiences made this one of the best workshops I have been part of,” she said.

“These trainings are vital to equip teachers with alternative tools for classroom management. They help ensure discipline and respect among students without resorting to violence.”

Salma, national trainer

Interactive methods—such as role plays and peer learning—encouraged educators to replace harmful disciplinary practices with positive, respectful approaches. The training also emphasized the importance of engaging families and communities in building a broader culture of non-violence.

Rania, a school principal, takes part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools. — UNICEF/UNI864465/Johnny Shahan Rania, a school principal, takes part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “We enjoyed every part of the workshop—it gave us fresh energy and motivation to start the school year with determination,” she said.

UNICEF/UNI864465/Johnny Shahan Rania, a school principal, takes part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “We enjoyed every part of the workshop—it gave us fresh energy and motivation to start the school year with determination,” she said.

Two teachers, Rajaa, and Rama, take part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools. — UNICEF/UNI864456/Johnny Shahan Two teachers, Rajaa, and Rama, take part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “I truly enjoy my profession, but over the past years, it has become very challenging, as the new generation is used to fast communication tools, and capturing their attention is no longer easy.” Rajaa said. “During this workshop, I learned new methods to engage students and manage the classroom, and I am eager to apply them this year.” She added.

UNICEF/UNI864456/Johnny Shahan Two teachers, Rajaa, and Rama, take part in a UNICEF-supported workshop on mitigating violence in schools, at Bab Sharqi training centre, Damascus. “I truly enjoy my profession, but over the past years, it has become very challenging, as the new generation is used to fast communication tools, and capturing their attention is no longer easy.” Rajaa said. “During this workshop, I learned new methods to engage students and manage the classroom, and I am eager to apply them this year.” She added.

“I truly enjoy my profession, but over the past years, it has become very challenging, as the new generation is used to fast communication tools, and capturing their attention is no longer easy. During this workshop, I learned new methods to engage students and manage the classroom, and I am eager to apply them this year.”

Rajaa, teacher

“In schools where teachers joined the workshops, we saw a significant drop in violence, and the positive impact on students was clear,” added Salma.

At the Bab Sharqi centre alone, 16 workshops were held, reaching around 432 education staff—a testament to the dedication of Syria’s educators to transform schools into safe spaces for learning, growth, and hope.