Is Syria’s Education Reform Putting Minorities at Risk? Here’s What You Need to Know
-
Alaina - . January 8, 2025
- . Update: January 8, 2025 10:30 am
The recent amendments in school curricula in Syria is becoming hot topic of discussion, and it is creating controversy among the global elite class. Educators, parents, and human rights groups are in tension after this newly introduces Syrian education law.
According to the news sources the newly established Islamic-led Syrian government made some changes in education system. These changes will affect the textbooks from the first primary to the third secondary grades.
What is inside the Key Amendments of Syrian Education “School Curriculum?”
Removal of Assad-Era Content: All references to the old Assad regime are gone. This includes the national anthem and topics supporting Ba’athist ideas. For example, “National Education” has been replaced with Islamic or Christian religious education.
Alteration of Historical Content: Mentions of ancient civilizations, gods, and historical figures like Queen Zenobia and Khawla bint Al-Azwar are removed. Authorities now call them “fictional characters.”
Keep Reading: Syria Under HTS: A New Era or an Islamist Agenda?
Changes in Scientific Education: Topics like evolution and the Big Bang theory are no longer taught. The focus is now more on religious views.
Modifications in Religious Instruction: Islamic education now highlights more conservative readings of the Quran. The phrases like “defending the homeland” is replaced with “for the sake of God.” This is showing a shift towards religious reasons for civic duties.
People are not happy, and viewing it as a threat. These curriculum changes in Syria have led critisim, tensions in the region. There are concerns about the promoting Islam. Analysts are indicating that these amendments in Syria are Islamist agenda, it can hit on the secular education system of Syria. Minorities are not safe here.
The second threat is the removal of scientific theories and historical content can damage the quality of education. It will reduce the diverse and critical thinking skills of students.
The next threat after the curicullam reforms are raises concerns about the return of Syrian refugees.
What is stand by Syrian Government?
Education Minister Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri has defended the revisions in Syrian school curricula . He said that the primary goal is to remove content glorifying the former regime. He emphasized that the changes aim to correct inaccuracies and that a specialist committee will review the amendments.
According to the Arab Weekly reports, “Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri, in a statement shared on Telegram on Thursday, said the changes were only meant to scrap “glorifying” references to the deposed president and “correct” misinterpretations of the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
He said, “The curricula in all Syrian schools will remain as is until specialised committees are formed to review and audit, we have only ordered the deletion of parts glorifying the defunct Assad regime, and we have adopted pictures of the Syrian Revolution flag instead of the defunct regime flag Incorrect, information has also been amended in the Islamic education curriculum where “some Quranic verses were explained in the wrong way”.
So the rising date and concerns over the educational curriculum of Syria is creating gaps between ideologies and it can be impact the national security. Promoting the conservative religious values may have long-term effects on social cohesion, the quality of education.
