871 schools in Raqqa need rehabilitation
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – At least 871 schools in Syria’s Raqqa Governorate require partial or complete rehabilitation, while the number of students is expected to rise sharply during the new academic year, Khalil al-Ibrahim, director of education in Raqqa told North Press on Monday.
Al-Ibrahim said the governorate has a total of 1,439 schools, of which about 1,137 are currently operational.
He added that 266 schools are ready, while 871 require varying levels of rehabilitation, reflecting significant challenges facing the education sector despite the availability of a functioning school network.
“The Directorate of Education began preparations early to complete all requirements for the start of the new academic year and ensure students can return to their schools in a safe and stable educational environment,” al-Ibrahim noted.
He pointed out that schools also face logistical shortages, including desks, heating equipment ahead of winter, water tanks, computers and the rehabilitation of some sanitation facilities.
Al-Ibrahim called on relevant authorities, international organizations and other stakeholders to support schools and help meet the needs of Raqqa’s education sector.
The official said student enrollment is expected to increase significantly this year, partly due to the return of students from abroad, including from Turkey and European countries.
More than 268,000 students were enrolled in Raqqa schools during the previous academic year, he said, adding that the number could reach nearly 500,000 this year.
To accommodate the growing number of students and reduce classroom overcrowding, education authorities plan to operate two shifts in most schools across the governorate, al-Ibrahim said.
Raqqa also faces a major shortage of school textbooks. The governorate needs an estimated four million books, while only around 500,000 are currently available.
Al-Ibrahim said officials responsible for school books had informed the directorate that all required textbooks are expected to reach students by the beginning of October.
The growing enrollment and extensive infrastructure damage underscore the need for increased investment in Raqqa’s schools as the new academic year gets underway.