"Curriculum amendments aim to change Syria’s identity"

Today, the Education Body, the University Coordination Body, and all educational and academic institutions in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria issued a statement at the headquarters of the Education Body in the city of Raqqa.

The statement was a response to the amendments made by the Ministry of Education of the Syrian Interim Government (Caretaker Government). It was read by the co-chairs of the Education Body in Raqqa Canton, Zuleikha Abdi.

The statement read:

"On behalf of the Education Body, the University Coordination Body, and all educational and academic institutions in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria:

We are facing a crisis that threatens the future of our homeland and the future of upcoming generations. It is well known that any change or modification to school curricula is carried out within frameworks and regulations by specialized committees that consider the cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity in society and ensure the required scientific level that aligns with the scientific development and progress of students in schools.

However, recent amendments to educational and scientific curricula have been made by the Minister of Education in the Caretaker Government in Damascus, and these amendments have become mandatory.

These dangerous amendments not only promote sectarianism and hatred among the people but also threaten to turn diverse Syria into an arena for conflicts and extremism at a time when the world seeks to promote values of tolerance and coexistence.

These amendments do not only aim to change educational curricula but seek to change Syria’s identity and weaken the unity of its people. We face the risk of raising an extremist generation that poses a threat not only to Syria but to the region and the world.

The values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, which form the foundation of our civilization and future, are in real danger.

We call on all citizens, regardless of their religion or sect, to stand united against these amendments that threaten our social fabric and national unity.

The future of Syria depends on our ability to work together to build a society based on justice, equality, and respect for everyone’s rights.

Based on our responsibilities to build a decentralized, democratic, and pluralistic Syria for all Syrians, free of racism, discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization of any identity, and to reject authoritarianism, extremism, and all forms of religious, gender and national intolerance, and recognizing our responsibility in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria towards our children, we demand:

1. The immediate halt of these amendments and a review of educational curricula to align with the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.

2. The rejection of all forms of violence, intimidation, and distortion in the educational system.

3. The recognition of pluralism and cultural and linguistic diversity as fundamental principles in the educational system.

4. The current educational system, including curricula, universities, schools, and kindergartens established by the Autonomous Administration, can serve as the foundation for the educational system due to its democratic and ecological model that promotes women's freedom and cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.

If an official decision to halt these curriculum amendments is not issued, it is a clear indicator that Syria’s future is heading towards a dark tunnel, as seen in the Afghan model. Any contrary statements are mere procrastination and delay.

Let us raise our voices and work together to build a decentralized, pluralistic Syria that respects the rights of all its people."

The statement was read in several other areas in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. In the Euphrates Canton, it was read at Martyr Sido School in the city of Kobani, attended by a crowd of teachers.

In Jazera Canton, the statement was read in front of the Education Body headquarters in Qamishlo, attended by administrators of the Body, teachers from the canton, and with the participation of the Syriac “Olof Taw” Institution.

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ANHA

QAMIşLO

REQA