Education
We supported formal and informal schools through our extensive work in the education sector. We repaired damaged schools and installed gender sensitive and inclusive WASH facilities. Islamic Relief provided pre-fabricated classrooms, mainly in IDP camps, so children could go to school again.
We gave teachers a monthly stipend to help them continue working and trained them in the latest teaching methods. Schools were given new furniture such as desks. Students received stationery, school bags, and shoes as well as counseling to help them come to terms with all they had experienced. And our remedial and catch up classes helped children get back into formal schooling.
In 2019-2020, Islamic Relief delivered a key scheme to improve the quality of learning environments. Designed to contribute to the short term goals and objectives set by the humanitarian community, the project also included rehabilitation activities to secure longer-term impact. It tackled the negative social aspects of the ongoing crisis, helping children avoid dropping out of school, early forced marriage, and child labor. Coordinating with the interim government as well as other organisations working to improve access to quality education in Syria, we transformed four schools in Idlib. The schools were repaired, furnished and expanded to accommodate more children. Altogether, 1,975 school-aged children (1053 boys and 922 girls) received an education as a result.
“I was very shy but now I feel proud”
Three years ago, Abeer and her family fled their home. But she has flourished academically and socially since going to a school supported by Islamic Relief. “I live with my parents and younger sister,” she says. “My mother takes me to school and my classmates take me to the classroom. I love them so much and I wish I could walk so I can play with them every day. “At the beginning, I felt very shy because of my wheelchair. But my mother encouraged me so much and my classmates have inspired me, so I feel there is no difference between us now. “I appreciate my teacher’s care and help. I really do my best to learn and gain high marks. I got the top marks in my class last year, I am very proud of myself.
I hope to be a pharmacist in the future to provide medication for all sick children. I hope that the crisis in Syria ends very soon and children’s suffering ends as well.
