Strike in Deir ez-Zor's school over abolition of Euphrates Educational Complex

During a protest outside its building in the Abu Hamam and Kashkiya areas of eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside, the Euphrates Educational Complex announced the suspension of regular classes at schools and the start of an open-ended strike. The move comes in protest against the decision to abolish the complex and in demand of its reinstatement, activation and official recognition as an administrative complex within the Ministry of Education.

The decision followed a meeting of educational and administrative staff and local residents, according to the complex, against the backdrop of a decision by the Deir ez-Zor Directorate of Education to abolish the Euphrates Educational Complex. The complex oversees 71 schools serving more than 30,000 students, with around 873 teachers and administrative staff working under its supervision.

They are calling for the complex to remain in place and be officially activated, arguing that the area needs an independent educational administrative structure to oversee the affairs of schools, staff and students, particularly given the large geographic area covered by the schools affiliated with the complex.

According to local statements and posts, education workers said the complex meets the administrative and organizational requirements for continued operation. They also noted that its schools are already facing shortages of teaching staff, textbooks and equipment, in addition to overcrowded classrooms.

As of publication, the Deir ez-Zor Directorate of Education had not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for abolishing the complex or addressing the demands of education workers and local residents.

A-H

ANHA