Ministry of Education Condemns School Theft in Deir ez-Zor
The Syrian Ministry of Education has issued a formal statement condemning the recent theft and vandalism of a school located in the city of Al-Bukamal, in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor. The incident, which has drawn criticism from local residents, involved the removal of doors and windows, as well as the looting of essential educational equipment from the facility.
In its statement released on Tuesday via its official Telegram channel, the Ministry expressed deep regret over the attack, emphasizing that the school had recently undergone a comprehensive process of restoration and rehabilitation. The facility was intended to serve local students by providing a suitable and secure learning environment. The Ministry underscored that protecting educational institutions is a shared responsibility, falling upon both relevant authorities and the local community.
Despite the setback, the Ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing the national effort to restore and equip schools across all Syrian governorates. Officials stated that the Ministry remains dedicated to the belief that schools serve as vital beacons of knowledge, and that investment in the educational sector is a direct investment in the future of Syria and its coming generations. The Ministry is currently coordinating with local authorities to address the aftermath of the incident, ensure the security of the site, and expedite the re-equipping of the school so that it may resume its educational role for the community.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting public infrastructure in the region. According to reports from residents, the looting of the Al-Ma’arri school in Al-Bukamal has caused significant frustration among the local population, who have called for increased vigilance to prevent further damage to public facilities. Such acts of vandalism directly impede the rights of students to access a safe and functional learning environment.
This development occurs against the backdrop of a broader national initiative to revitalize the education sector. Youssef Anan, Assistant Minister of Education, reported in July that the Ministry had successfully rehabilitated 1,285 schools across the country since the beginning of 2026. This ongoing reconstruction program is designed to restore essential educational infrastructure, promote stability in the academic process, and increase the capacity of schools to accommodate the growing number of students returning to the classroom.
The Ministry has renewed its call for the local community to strengthen its partnership with educational authorities, emphasizing that schools are a collective asset belonging to all members of society. By working together to safeguard these institutions, local communities can help ensure that education remains protected from criminal activity and continues to serve the needs of the youth in Deir ez-Zor and beyond.
