Olf Tau Syriac Foundation: No school closed, education to be reorganized according to Syriac Curriculum

Efforts continue in North and East Syria to reorganize the educational process, as the Olf Tau Syriac Language Foundation denied, in a statement, reports of "school closures."

The foundation indicated that this is a new step towards adopting a full Syriac curriculum that preserves the language and identity, while keeping pace with the educational requirements.

It explained that Syriac schools, which had been forced to teach the Syrian state curriculum to ensure the continuity of education, are now facing a new step with the Autonomous Administration's move to adopt its own curricula in all schools.

The foundation stressed, "Our schools are no longer affiliated with any external curriculum, and the time has come to implement our full Syriac curriculum, which combines our mother tongue and ancient heritage with modern sciences and knowledge."

The foundation emphasized that it is the decision-maker regarding the future of Syriac education, adding that the Autonomous Administration, represented by the Education Body, held direct meetings with the Eminences, the Bishops and the churches responsible for schools, who expressed initial willingness to cooperate, while consultations are still ongoing.

It noted that protecting and teaching the Syriac language is "a responsibility that cannot be postponed" and called for its internal adoption as a fundamental step towards achieving any external recognition.

In terms of exams, the foundation clarified that its basic demands are:

Guaranteeing the right of its students to sit for the government baccalaureate exams, thus preserving their university future.

Adopting the Autonomous Administration's curricula in Arabic and Syriac from first to eleventh grades, until a comprehensive formula that guarantees full Syriac privacy is reached.

The foundation concluded by calling on families to support this approach, emphasizing that Syriacs "are not a minority awaiting the decisions of others, but rather an authentic component shaping their own future and protecting their right with their language and education."

J.J