The power of youth in co-creating education in Syria
International Day of Education 2026
On 24 January 2026, the world marked the International Day of Education under the theme “The power of youth in co-creating education”, recognizing the vital role young people play in shaping inclusive, innovative, and resilient education systems.
In Hama, this occasion was marked at Muhaddatha Al-Barnawi School, one of 26 schools supported under the Safe School Initiative. The event brought together students, caregivers, and school staff for a morning dedicated to learning, creativity, and wellbeing.
The celebration transformed the school into a learning fair, with eight interactive activity corners set up across the school grounds, providing children opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn through play-based and participatory approaches. Activities focused on life skills, psychosocial support, remedial learning, digital literacy, arts, science, and active learning, creating opportunities for children of different ages and abilities to participate meaningfully.
Each corner was designed to address different learning needs and interests. At the Life Skills Corner, children practised problem solving, cooperation, and communication skills, strengthening competencies essential for both learning and daily life. The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Corner offered structured recreational and expressive activities designed to reduce stress, enhance emotional wellbeing, and create a safe space for children to express themselves and build positive peer relationships.
Other corners focused on improving learning engagement, outcomes, and curiosity. The Learning Support Corner provided remedial and supportive educational tools for children experiencing learning difficulties, contributing to learning recovery and retention. The Digital Learning Corner introduced students to distance and digital learning in an engaging way promoting digital literacy and continuity of learning.
Creativity and self-expression were encouraged in the Arts Corner through drawing, colouring, and crafts.
The Interactive experiments in the Science and Chemistry Interactive experiments in the Science and Chemistry Corners introduced basic scientific concepts and encouraged inquiry-based learning.
An Active Learning Corner promoted movement, participation, and teamwork, ensuring that children of different ages and capabilities could participate meaningfully.
Alongside the children’s activities, a dedicated awareness session was conducted for caregivers. The session aimed to strengthen their engagement in their children’s education, emphasizing that their role is vital in supporting learning, wellbeing, and regular school attendance.
The celebration demonstrated that education goes beyond classrooms and textbooks. It contributes to building resilience, social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Through the Safe School initiative, schools are being supported not only to improve learning but also to provide protective and inclusive environments where every child can learn safely and thrive.
To further mark the International Day of Education, a short video was developed, featuring children from different parts of Syria. Through everyday moments of learning, play, and interaction, the video captures the shared hopes and potential of children across diverse communities. It highlights how education opens doors, builds skills, and creates a sense of belonging, reminding us that school is more than classrooms. That Education is a pathway to growth, dignity, and equal opportunities for every child, wherever they live.
Through initiatives such as the Safe School Initiative, schools are evolving into child-centered spaces where children feel supported, inspired, and empowered to shape their own futures, reflecting the spirit of the 2026 International Day of Education.
