Teachers in Idlib, Aleppo continue protests amid sector neglect
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Teachers in Idlib and Aleppo, northwestern Syria, told North Press on Tuesday that recent protests in both cities reflect deep frustration among education workers over low salaries and the continued neglect of the sector.
At the start of the week, the cities of Idlib and Aleppo witnessed large demonstrations by teachers in front of the Education Directorates, following months of unanswered demands and an unaddressed open strike.
Dozens of teachers gathered outside the Idlib Education Directorate, holding banners calling for the dismissal of the Minister of Education and accusing him of “deliberately neglecting” the deteriorating state of education.
Hossam al-Abd, a 38-year-old teacher from Idlib who joined the protest, told North Press that teachers “have reached a point of complete collapse,” adding that their salaries “no longer cover even one week of expenses.”
He explained that their key demands include “salary restructuring, job stability, and ensuring a safe educational environment.”
For her part, Rania al-Khalaf, a 44-years-old teacher, said the ministry has been acting “as if these demands do not exist,” stressing that teachers “have not received any response since the strike began weeks ago.”
She added, “We are not asking for privileges, only for the basic rights necessary to keep the educational process functioning. Neglect cannot continue.”
Adnan Hajjar, a 29-years-old teacher from the northern Aleppo countryside, said the ministry “is merely watching from the sidelines,” warning that “the current crisis will lead to the collapse of the entire education system if no serious measures are taken.”
He added that many teachers are now “unable even to cover the cost of daily transportation.”