A glimpse into an inclusive learning space in Dar’a
With support from UNICEF, children with disabilities in Syria are accessing education through self-learning centres
Dar’a, Syria - In Dar’a governorate, years of conflict and displacement have disrupted children’s access to education. Many schools have been damaged or destroyed, and countless children, especially those with disabilities, have been left behind, unable to enrol in formal education.
To help bridge this gap, UNICEF, with the support of its partners, has established a self-learning centre in Dar’a city. This inclusive space is designed to support children with disabilities who face multiple barriers to learning, they are given a second chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
The centre provides tailored educational support focused on foundational literacy and numeracy, as well as life skills and communication development. Through interactive, play-based learning and the dedication of trained facilitators, children engage in meaningful activities that meet their individual learning needs.
“This centre gives children a safe space to learn at their own pace,” said Khawla, one of the specialised teachers. “Progress may be slow, but every small step is a victory,” she added, highlighting the learning journey these children are undergoing.
UNICEF/UNI873432/Johnny Shahan
Sara, 5, engages in a colour recognition game at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
“We usually begin by developing eye contact for children with disabilities, followed by auditory communication, while continuously assessing their interaction with their surroundings.”
Anwar, a specialised teacher
UNICEF/UNI873433/Johnny Shahan
Mouna, 5, attends a lesson aimed at developing her skills and enhancing her cognitive abilities at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
“Every child has a voice. Sometimes, it just takes patience and support to help it be heard.”
Anwar, a specialised teacher
UNICEF/UNI873431/Johnny Shahan
Anwar, a specialised teacher helps Yahia, 5, pronounce his name during an educational session at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
“Yahia didn’t speak a word when he first started with us. Now he sings and builds sentences. I couldn’t be prouder of him, or of how far we’ve come together.”
Khawla, a specialised teacher
UNICEF/UNI873436/Johnny Shahan
Mohamed, 6, and Mustafa, 6, attend a lesson focused on developing their skills and enhancing their cognitive abilities at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
“We don’t just teach; we build bridges between children and the world around them.”
Anwar, a specialised teacher
UNICEF/UNI873434/Johnny Shahan
Mohamed, 6, attends a lesson focused on developing his skills and enhancing his cognitive abilities at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
“With the right tools and support, every child can learn and thrive.”
Anwar, a specialised teacher
UNICEF/UNI873437/Johnny Shahan
Mohamed, 6, Mustafa, 6, and Yahia, 5, hold up word cards during a lesson designed to strengthen their skills and boost their cognitive development at a UNICEF-supported self-learning centre for children with disabilities in Dar’a city.
"These children inspire us every day. We learn courage, resilience, and determination from them."
Anwar, a specialised teacher
More than just a place to study, the centre is a welcoming environment where moments of joy, discovery, and connection unfold. Children participate in educational games, build friendships, and gain confidence. Beyond academic progress, the centre fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, helping children develop the social and emotional skills they need to navigate the world around them.
With continued support from UNICEF and its partners, children at this centre are not only catching up on lost learning, but they are also reclaiming their right to a brighter future.
In 2025, UNICEF reached more than 34,000 children through the Self-Learning Programme to help them continue their education. This support was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of EU Humanitarian Aid; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KfW Development Bank; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the Governments of Australia, Finland, Japan and the Republic of Korea; and the Global Partnership for Education.
