02-07-2025 | di COOPI

Syria: Muhammad and Seham are back to school

Muhammad and Seham are respectively 10 and 11 years old children who live with their families in Yabroud, rural Damascus, Syria. Due to the prolonged conflict, the educational infrastructure in the region has been severely damaged, hindering access to quality education. Additionally, both children face difficult financial situations that limit their ability to fully engage in school.

Muhammad's mother is the sole breadwinner for the family and works outside the home, leaving her unable to provide the academic support Muhammad needs. As a result, his school performance has declined, and his grades have suffered. Struggling to keep up with lessons, especially in Arabic and mathematics, Muhammad has become increasingly frustrated and stressed.

His mother shares:

I hope there will be free courses that my son Muhammad can enroll in to improve his academic performance. This will not only help his grades but also positively impact his mental health and his overall performance in school."

Similarly, Seham faces a comparable situation. Her parents are both working, and the family’s financial difficulties prevent them from offering her the academic support she needs. Despite her great passion for school, Seham has started to feel frustrated as she struggles to keep up with lessons, particularly in Arabic, mathematics, and English. In addition, Seham suffers from a medical condition involving bowed legs, which has not been treated due to the high costs of surgery.

However, Seham remains hopeful, saying:

I dream of excelling in my lessons like my friends. I want to continue my studies and go to university to achieve my ambitions."

Through the project "Talimak Moustakbalak/Your Education, Your Future – Education for Girls and Boys in Yabroud and Duma", COOPI-Cooperazione Internazionale is working to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations by promoting quality, inclusive education in Syria. Funded by the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation (AICS), the project aims to improve access to a protective, safe, and stimulating environment for both children and teachers.

Recognizing the difficulties faced by children like Muhammad and Seham, the organization has decided to intervene by offering follow-up educational courses. Additionally, COOPI’s "Back to School" campaigns have helped raise community awareness about the importance of education, emphasizing its role in supporting children’s growth and future opportunities.

Active in the country since 2016, with educational support and increased community awareness, COOPI is helping to create a solid foundation for Syria’s recovery, where education is the driving force of change and hope.