EXCLUSIVE: Syria’s education system set for major reform ...Iraq

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EXCLUSIVE: Syria’s education system set for major reform

Shafaq News/ Syria’s educationsystem requires urgent reform, but a structured, well-funded approach isessential, according to Mohammad Saed Qaddour, the Directorof Education at the Syrian Ministry of Education.

In anexclusive interview with Shafaq News, Qaddour emphasized the need to modernizeeducational content to keep pace with scientific, technological, and politicaldevelopments while removing ideological influences from the curriculum.

    Curriculum Reform: A Long-Overdue Overhaul

    Qaddour underscored the necessity ofupdating school curricula at least once per decade to reflect scientific andtechnological progress.

    He acknowledged that Syria’s currentcurriculum is deeply influenced by political ideology, stating, “One of ourpriorities is to remove the glorification of the previous regime, whichfostered dictatorship and personality cults. However, reforms must bemeaningful, not arbitrary.”

    Qaddour outlined the complex process ofeducation reform, which requires training workshops, expert consultations, anda phased implementation strategy over four years. He warned against rushedchanges, emphasizing that hasty reforms could lead to inconsistencies and gapsin education quality.

    Private Education: Between Expansion andMonopoly

    Discussing private education, Qaddourhighlighted stark contrasts between opposition-controlled and regime-heldareas.

    “In liberated areas, private schools haveexpanded rapidly, offering competitive services and lower tuition fees,” hesaid, though he noted that the oversaturation of schools has led to underfilledclassrooms.

    Meanwhile, in regime-controlled zones,private education is monopolized by political elites and the wealthy. “Thismonopoly has led to overcrowding and inflated tuition fees, making education aprivilege rather than a right,” Qaddour explained.

    He called for strengthening publiceducation to ensure accessibility and regulating private schools to preventexploitation. “Education must be a fundamental right, not a commercialenterprise,” he stressed.

    Tackling Illiteracy and School Dropouts

    On illiteracy and school dropouts, Qaddourannounced plans for a partnership with the Ministry of Culture to launchliteracy programs for adults who are unable to return to school.

    For younger dropouts, an acceleratedlearning system is under consideration. "By condensing academic years,students can quickly catch up with their peers and reintegrate into mainstreameducation," he explained.

    Hijab: Between Tradition and Misconception

    Addressing the controversy surrounding thehijab, Qaddour dismissed claims linking Islamic dress to extremism. "Thefear surrounding the hijab stems from an illogical association withradicalism," he stated.

    He pointed out that modesty hashistorically been a universal symbol of purity, referencing religiousdepictions of the Virgin Mary. “Modesty is not exclusive to Islam; it is acommon principle across monotheistic religions,” he added.

    Criticizing past government policies, hecondemned Rifaat al-Assad’s forced removal of hijabs in Damascus, calling it anassault on personal freedoms. “Our goal is to uphold freedom of choice, notimpose restrictions,” he asserted.

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