New Curriculum in Syria's Education System Raises Concerns Among Civil Society

Following the announcement of a new school curriculum by Syria's transitional government, concerns among civil activists are rising over its perceived lack of inclusivity. The curriculum reflects a shift toward an Islamic focus and removes references to the previous Assad regime, sparking calls for demonstrations as community voices appear sidelined.

Newly introduced changes to Syria's school curriculum have ignited widespread concern among civil society activists, who fear a retreat from inclusivity in educational reforms. As the new academic term is set to commence this Sunday, protests have been planned by citizens unhappy with the Islamist-led transitional government's unilateral decisions affecting the education system.

The transitional government's education ministry revealed a revised curriculum that significantly incorporates Islamic themes while erasing references to the Assad regime. Notably, the title of a subject shifted from "Defending the Nation" to "Defending Allah." Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri minimized the significance of these changes, asserting that the curriculum would not undergo substantive alterations until specialized committees offered their assessment and recommendations.

Significant reductions in the science curriculum include the exclusion of Evolutionary Theory and the Big Bang, alongside the removal of iconography and teachings associated with Syria’s pre-Islamic gods. Historical figures, such as Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, also appear to be sidelined within the educational narratives, reflecting a larger trend of omitting the Assad era from the curriculum entirely, including the erasure of references to Bashar al-Assad and his father Hafez.

Although al-Qadri referenced "inaccuracies" that were corrected in the Islamic education curriculum, the absence of dialogue with various community segments leaves many activists anxious about meaningful participation in shaping the nation’s future. The authorities announced intentions to foster a National Dialogue Conference, claiming to engage with diverse groups like Christians and Kurds, yet perceived unilateral decisions threaten these promised collaborative efforts.

Activists express their apprehension that the curriculum changes signify a diminished role of societal voices in the reformation of state institutions. The upcoming education term has become a focal point for protests, as citizens rally to defend their rights to contribute to the educational landscape and broader societal evolution in post-Assad Syria.