In a further step reaffirming Saudi Arabia's ongoing humanitarian support for the Syrian people, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed two cooperation agreements aimed at rehabilitating two schools and vital community facilities in the Damascus Countryside and Idlib governorates of the Syrian Arab Republic. The agreements were signed virtually by the Assistant Supervisor General of the Center for Operations and Programs, Engineer Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, with representatives from two Syrian civil society organizations.
The general context and the educational crisis in Syria
This initiative comes amidst the extremely complex humanitarian situation that Syria has been experiencing for over a decade. Years of conflict have led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, with the education sector being among the hardest hit. International reports indicate that millions of Syrian children are now out of school due to the destruction of schools or their use for other purposes. Depriving an entire generation of education not only threatens the future of these children but also the future of Syria as a whole, making the rehabilitation of educational facilities a top priority.
Project details and strategic objectives
Under the two agreements, comprehensive reconstruction and rehabilitation work will be carried out on the two schools and their associated facilities, in addition to furnishing them and equipping them with solar energy systems to ensure continued operation amidst the country's energy crisis. The project aims to directly serve an estimated 4,570 individuals, while its positive impact will extend indirectly to 23,272 members of the local community.
The goal is not just to rebuild the walls, but the project seeks to restore the educational and community role of these facilities, and to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for children, contributing to their psychological and social recovery, and protecting them from the risks of child labor and school dropout.
The importance and expected impact of the project
At the local level, this project represents a glimmer of hope for affected communities in rural Damascus and Idlib, revitalizing essential institutions and strengthening the resilience of the population. Regionally and internationally, these efforts reflect the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, to its active role in alleviating human suffering and supporting stability in the region. These projects also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all
These two agreements fall under a broader program for “restoring educational assets in Syria,” through which the center is currently working to rehabilitate and rebuild 47 schools in various Syrian governorates, which confirms the strategic and sustainable approach that the center follows in its humanitarian interventions, which focuses on empowering local communities and civil society organizations to implement quality projects that serve Syrians inside the country.
