Education at the heart of Syria’s recovery - The role of schools in return, resilience, and social cohesion in a changing Syria

The policy brief examines the role of education in supporting Syria’s recovery after years of conflict and displacement. It emphasizes that access to functioning schools is a key factor influencing whether displaced families and refugees are willing to return to their communities. Damage to school infrastructure, shortages of teachers, and limited educational resources have created major barriers for children attempting to resume their education.

The report highlights that millions of Syrian children are currently out of school or at risk of dropping out due to poverty, displacement, and instability. Many schools were destroyed or damaged during the conflict, and economic hardship forces families to rely on child labor instead of education. Returnee children also face additional challenges such as language barriers, differences in curricula, and difficulties obtaining recognized academic certificates.

The brief argues that education should be placed at the center of recovery strategies because it contributes to economic development, community resilience, and social cohesion. Investments in school rehabilitation, teacher support, psychosocial services, and inclusive education programs can help rebuild human capital and support long-term stability in Syria. Integrated approaches linking education with livelihoods, protection, and basic services are recommended for sustainable recovery.