Republic of Korea Ambassador visits rehabilitated schools in eastern Aleppo

UNICEF-supported works at Al-Kifah compound are restoring safe, inclusive learning for children affected by conflict

By Sherin Salameh
Group photo of H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, the UNICEF team, school staff, and partners at the rehabilitated Al-Kifah school in Aleppo.
UNICEF/UN0875139/Aref Alaref
10 June 2026

H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea visited the Al-Kifah school compound in the Tariq Albab community in eastern Aleppo in early June, where he toured the facilities, observed progress in rehabilitation works, and engaged with children and teachers, listening to their experiences and witnessing firsthand the impact of ongoing support.

H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea meets with children in their classroom during his visit with UNICEF team to Al-Kifah school in Aleppo Governorate H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea meets with children in their classroom during his visit with UNICEF team to Al-Kifah school in Aleppo Governorate
UNICEF/UN0875140/Aref Alaref H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea meets with children during his visit with UNICEF team to Al-Kifah school in Aleppo Governorate, Syria, on 9 June 2026.
H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea along with officials visit a classroom filled with school children in the rehabilitated Al-Kifah School in Aleppo H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea along with officials visit a classroom filled with school children in the rehabilitated Al-Kifah School in Aleppo
UNICEF/UN0875136/Aref Alaref H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea visits a classroom in the rehabilitated Al-Kifah School in Aleppo Governorate.

The compound, located in a neighbourhood heavily affected by years of conflict, includes four schools that sustained severe damage and became non-operational, leaving many children, especially girls, without access to safe and nearby learning.

UNICEF, with support from the Republic of Korea and the Government of Japan, is rehabilitating three of these schools, including the only secondary school for girls in the community. This support comes at a critical time as the area is also facing an influx of returning families, adding pressure on already stretched education services.

H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea discusses the progress of rehabilitation works with a group of official outside the school. H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea discusses the progress of rehabilitation works with a group of official outside the school.
UNICEF/UN0875135/ H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea discusses the progress of rehabilitation works and community needs with the UNICEF team during his visit to Al-Kifah school in Aleppo Governorate.
Three-story school building with 2 wings connected at a right angle. The building's entrance is painted UNICEF blue. Three-story school building with 2 wings connected at a right angle. The building's entrance is painted UNICEF blue.
UNICEF/UN0875141/Aref Alaref UNICEF-supported Al-Kifah school in Aleppo Governorate.

The support includes rehabilitation of classrooms and essential facilities, as well as the provision of furniture, teaching and learning materials, recreational supplies, and cleaning kits. Early childhood education spaces are also being established to address the lack of pre-primary education services.

The Ambassador’s visit highlighted the important role of the Republic of Korea’s support in restoring safe and inclusive learning environments, supporting the integration of children from returnee and host communities, and addressing key barriers to learning.

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Young children sit on colourful little chairs in two rows, listening to a female who sits at one end of the two rows. Young children sit on colourful little chairs in two rows, listening to a female who sits at one end of the two rows.
UNICEF/UN0875137/Aref Alaref Children take part in group activities at the UNICEF supported Al Kifah School in Aleppo Governorate.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting children’s right to safe, inclusive and dignified education.