The countdown has begun for the new education season in the canton of Shehba, which has been resisting for years the continuous attacks of the invading Turkish state and the embargo of the Damascus government.

The Education and Training Committee has faced many challenges because of the embargo this year. Schools, which are expected to open on 12 September, will open their doors to 16,000 students.

Damascus government forces do not allow students or teachers to bring books into the canton. Speaking on the subject, Afrin Canton Education and Training Committee Coordination member Hena Kalo told ANHA: “The Damascus government forces do not allow students to bring their books to the canton, therefore students come to school without them and can’t progress to the desired level.”

According to Hena Kalo, not only students but also teachers have difficulties due to the lack of books.

Halo said that, in fact, “students become victims of the politics of the region.”

On the other hand, the fuel crisis, which has become a major problem especially in the winter months, has been one of the most important factors affecting the education sector this year. The Education and Training Committee tried to secure a supply of fuel, but that was only enough for one month. “Fuel shortage is the biggest problem hindering the work of the committee. The Damascus government has embargoed the Shehba region. Children in particular cannot stand the cold.”

Afrin Canton Education and Training Committee provides education free of charge but because of the embargo imposed on the region, the studying material is often not sufficient.

Currently, 850 teachers are ready to begin the new academic year despite all the obstacles.