In the regions around the occupied territories in north-eastern Syria, thousands of students have been unable to attend classes for years. In Girê Spî and Ain Issa, about 2,000 students are affected.
Preparations for the new school year in Girê Spî Canton have begun. The materials for the new school year have been distributed and teachers have already received their classes. The ANHA news agency spoke with Cuman Îsa from the school administration of Girê Spî Canton. He explained that there are still 97 schools in the free areas of the canton that are being taken care of by the education administration.
NO CLASSES FOR FOUR YEARS
Îsa reported that five schools destroyed by Turkish attacks have been rebuilt. Referring to the schools near the battle front, he stated: "Unfortunately, the Turkish state has repeatedly targeted schools and settlements. Thousands of students, such as in the villages of Mestûr, Cedîde (al-Jadida), Siwêdiyê (Suwadiyah), Fatse, Xalidiyê (al-Khalidiya), Dibis and Sewan near the battle front, have not received education for four years. There are 23 schools in the region where 2,000 students are supposed to be taught. But the villages and schools in the region are bombed every day by the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries before the eyes of the world. In this way, children's right to education according to international agreements and laws is being violated."
Last year, the schools in Xazlî and Erîda were directly targeted by attacks. As a result, many parents stopped sending their children to school. The school administration has no solution for the approximately 2,000 pupils who no longer receive regular lessons. However, several parents have decided to send their children to schools kilometres away from the front.
According to the general school administration, the number of pupils in Girê Spî is expected to be 9,700 this year. 480 teachers have been assigned to teach. After the occupation of the area in 2019, the education situation has deteriorated massively. Îsa added, "Most of the villages, even those far from the battle front, have come under fire. Some of the active schools have also been closed as people are afraid to send their children to school due to the constant attacks. This is the case for the villages of Cirin, Bexdik, Ehmediyê and Hîşê (al-Hishah), for example."
