Page 38 - EN-Youth Report

Education

Education is currently not at its best in the region, with 48% of the targeted
group stating that the level of education and educational methodologies
do not meet the required quality standards, in terms of equipment,
finances, and human resources. In addition, some local norms started to
discourage educating children, as dependency on them in providing for
their families has increased dramatically. This has led to the deterioration
of enrolment rates in the primary, middle and secondary levels. In

addition, 23% of the sample surveyed expressed concerns about the
systematic targeting of schools by military aircrafts, which caused fears
among parents of sending their children to school. The continuous
movement of people as a result to recurrent displacement, and the use of
teaching facilities as temporary shelters for displaced persons, negatively
affected the quality of education. At least 5% of the sample identified the
lack of access to schools as an obstacle to receive education, especially
when no schools are available in close proximity, or because of the lack of
transportation, or proper facilities for those with war induced disabilities

and special needs. As for the future of education and its relevance to the
labour market, it is also one of the problems. Enrolment in higher
education (university) is at a very low level, due to the lack of sufficient
recognition of the certificates issued by the universities in the
Northwestern region (Aleppo Free University, and Idleb free university),
And the challenges of securing accommodation and transportation for
students, not to mention the need of these students to work to help their
own families, which is a priority for many students. This should be seen in
comparison with the rate of joining high education in the Arab region,
which is basically low and does not exceed 23.7% in 2008.

38 | MAPPING YOUTH SITUATION IN NORTHWESTERN SYRIA