121,000 students head to schools in Raqqa with educational plan to address learning loss

Zuleikha Abdi, co-chair of the Education Authority in Raqqa canton, stated that administrative work within schools began on September 7, while actual student attendance will start on September 14.

Abdi confirmed that this year’s academic year comes under exceptional circumstances, following difficult challenges faced by the region especially the forced displacement wave of residents from Afrin and Shahba who were sheltered in Raqqa schools, which caused significant damage to the educational sector and led to over 47 schools in the canton being occupied.

She pointed out that the Education Authority, in cooperation with the Executive Council and the Displaced Persons Directorate, has managed to clear approximately 15 schools so far, with efforts ongoing to clear the remaining schools before students return.

Abdi explained that the Education Authority’s plans for the new academic year include integrating students into nearby schools, implementing a shift system with two or three shifts, and conducting a baseline assessment of students to evaluate learning levels and compensate for educational loss.

In a related context, Abdi mentioned a three-day training program for school supervisors covering internal regulations, assessment methods, and teaching strategies. Additionally, 1,000 teachers are being trained in active learning strategies, along with special training for teachers of grades that have undergone curriculum changes, particularly fourth, eighth, and eleventh grades.

Regarding early childhood education, the co-chair highlighted that the Authority, in coordination with the Women’s Committee, has trained kindergarten teachers, opened a model kindergarten as part of women’s projects, and appointed specialized graduates through a district-wide competition.

She also announced the inclusion of 40 schools from the Sabkha area, recently liberated from the previous regime, into the Education Authority’s portfolio, bringing the total number of schools in the district to 468, of which 428 are currently equipped.

Abdi projected that the number of students this year will exceed 21,000 across all educational stages, with an increase in first-grade classes due to the enrollment of children born in 2020. Their ages are currently being assessed by the School Health Office to register them under the "Growth Classes," along with students who will attend schools in the Sabkha area.

She confirmed that textbooks will be distributed at the beginning of the school year after printing and preparation.

Regarding the issue of school dropout, Abdi noted that 30,000 children outside the educational process are not dropouts in the traditional sense but are victims of the current political and humanitarian situation, especially those who still reside in schools.

ANHA