Raqqa Forum Examines Challenges Facing the New Academic Year
A wide-ranging dialogue forum was held in Raqqa to address the current state of the educational system as the new academic year gets underway. Organized by the “Together for Raqqa” initiative in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, the event focused on the pressing challenges facing schools, students, and teaching staff.
Turki al-Musharraf, coordinator of the initiative, stated that the meeting is part of a series of dialogues designed to improve communication between stakeholders and the local community. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process and the contribution of practical proposals to improve educational conditions. Al-Musharraf noted that the initiative is committed to documenting the outcomes of each forum and following up with the relevant authorities to ensure the proposed solutions are implemented.
Khalil Ibrahim al-Ibrahim, the Director of Education in Raqqa, outlined recent developments, reporting that more than 1,100 schools are currently operational in the province. However, he highlighted significant logistical challenges, including the urgent need for partial or full building repairs. Furthermore, with winter approaching, the provision of heating remains a top priority for the directorate.
Regarding the teaching staff, educator Nouri al-Turkan raised concerns during the meeting, noting that teachers’ primary demands center on addressing recruitment issues and ensuring that personnel are distributed according to their specialized scientific qualifications. He confirmed that the directorate is coordinating closely with staff to follow up on these demands and improve the working environment.
The Director of Education also addressed the progress of integrating staff members into the system, stating that the process is more than 80 percent complete. The file is currently with the Ministry of Administrative Development in Damascus, with results expected to be announced soon. To manage high student density, al-Ibrahim explained that the directorate has adopted a two-shift system as a temporary measure to reduce overcrowding and provide a more suitable learning environment.
Concluding the session, participants discussed the critical shortage of school textbooks. Al-Ibrahim stated that the province requires approximately 4 million books, while only 350,000 to 400,000 copies are currently available. He noted that there are assurances that the remaining deficit will be addressed by the beginning of October to ensure the educational process continues in accordance with the approved unified curriculum.
