AANES orders end of Damascus curricula in northeast Syria schools
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Education Board of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) informed on Wednesday school administrations that teaching Damascus-issued curricula is no longer permitted in either public or private schools in the region.
A teacher at a private school in Qamishli, who preferred not to be named, told North Press that “the state curricula will no longer be taught in any schools across northeast Syria,” according to the decision communicated during a meeting with education staff.
A senior educational official within AANES confirmed the decision to North Press, noting that it applies to all schools in areas under its control. However, the official did not provide further details or comment on the reasons behind the move.
The teacher added that school staff were instructed to visit local education directorates to obtain a “no objection” document in order to receive their files, as part of the procedure for implementing the new directive.
Educational sources said the decision has already been circulated to schools, and AANES plans to announce it officially through media outlets within the next two days.
Over the past months, education has been a key subject in discussions between AANES and the Syrian government, including debates over curricula and examinations. These talks had previously allowed limited government exams in certain parts of northern Syria, though no joint framework was reached regarding curricula or formal recognition of AANES-issued certificates.