Activists are expressing alarm over the new Islamist-influenced school curriculum in Syria, which omits references to the Assad era and emphasizes religious themes. The transitional education ministry assures minimal changes pending review, but calls for public protests indicate widespread concern about sidelined societal input.
Concerns Rise Over New Syrian Curriculum Under Islamist Leadership
Concerns Rise Over New Syrian Curriculum Under Islamist Leadership
Educational reforms announced by the temporary Syrian government have ignited fears of marginalized voices and a lack of inclusivity.
The start of the new school term in Syria is approaching, and the educational landscape is facing public outcry. Changes introduced by the Islamist-led transitional government have raised alarms, as many fear these adjustments have been made without broad societal input. The education ministry's recent announcement highlights a curriculum overhaul prioritizing Islamic teachings and omitting any references to the Assad regime. Notable alterations include a shift from “Defending the nation” to “Defending Allah” and the exclusion of scientific theories like Evolution and the Big Bang.
Moreover, elements of pre-Islamic history and culture, such as the significance of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, have been downplayed or removed entirely. Arabic language coursework celebrating Bashar al-Assad and Hafez al-Assad has been standardized out, with education minister Nazir al-Qadri remarking that the focus has been narrowed to eliminating glorification of the past regime.
Although some in Syria have welcomed these changes, the move is concerning to civil society activists. Many of these individuals have returned to Syria after years of exile, only to find educational reforms lacking engagement with the diverse communities that make up the population. Activists plan to protest against the unilateral changes as the new academic year commences, condemning any attempts to reshape the nation's future without inclusive dialogue.
The transitional government has touted plans for a National Dialogue Conference, engaging various community representatives, yet activists feel the alterations to the education system contradict their commitment to inclusivity. They aim to advocate early against any government actions that appear to disregard the values of freedom and inclusivity that have emerged following the Assad regime’s collapse.
