Teachers Return to Schools in Rif Dimashq on World Teachers’ Day
Educational institutions in Rif Dimashq have welcomed the return of hundreds of teachers to their classrooms, marking a significant development coinciding with the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebrations. This initiative is part of a wider effort to bring back educational personnel who were previously sidelined, aiming to restore the human capital essential for national reconstruction alongside the physical rehabilitation of school facilities.
The experience of Omar Al-Ghabra, principal of the Al-Hafez Ibn Asaker Secondary School in Arbin, serves as a poignant example of this transition. Al-Ghabra was previously dismissed from his position due to his participation in the Syrian revolution. This forced him to leave the country, where he spent years working in the teaching sector abroad. Following his return after liberation, he has resumed his educational mission. Reflecting on his return, Al-Ghabra emphasized that stepping back into the classroom represents more than a job; it is a return to his noble mission of shaping a new generation. He noted that the teaching profession transcends mere employment, serving as a deep pedagogical and humanitarian responsibility toward students and society at large.
Fadi Nazhat, the Director of Education for Rif Dimashq, stated that the reinstatement of dismissed teachers has been a top priority for the Ministry of Education, reflecting a commitment to valuing their expertise and dedication. According to Nazhat, 512 teachers have already returned to schools across the region. These educators are currently working under contracts that renew automatically, while the necessary legislative measures are being finalized to formally secure their previous job titles.
Nazhat highlighted that these returning educators bring valuable perspectives gained during their time abroad, particularly regarding modern teaching methodologies, which are expected to positively impact the quality of education. He further noted that the role of the teacher is a cornerstone of the current phase of development. He asserted that the effort to rebuild students’ characters is just as critical as the physical reconstruction of school buildings, and he affirmed the Education Directorate’s commitment to addressing learning gaps despite various field challenges and existing limitations.
This educational initiative coincides with the 60th anniversary of the UNESCO and International Labour Organization’s 1966 recommendation concerning the status of teachers. This year’s theme, “Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education,” underscores the urgent need to enhance the status of teachers and provide an environment where they can effectively perform their educational roles amidst modern challenges and transformations.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
