Education minister announces ‘urgent steps’ to restart schools in northeastern Syria

By Lina Altawell

ISTANBUL (AA) - Syrian Education Minister Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko announced “urgent steps” on Tuesday to restart schools in Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor provinces in the country’s northeast after a ceasefire deal with the SDF group.

Speaking to the SANA news agency, Turko said his ministry has formed a central committee to assess school buildings, ensure safety, identify staffing needs, supply textbooks and materials, and set priorities for renovation and equipment.

“The government is determined to resume schooling in these provinces quickly and ensure its stability,” he added.

The work, the minister said, is part of a broader program by the Education Ministry to restore schools damaged in areas recently retaken from the SDF.

On Sunday evening, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire and an agreement for the full integration of the SDF into state institutions.