Education in Syria

Sarah, from north-east Syria, enrolled in an intensive educational program supported by GPE and Save the Children to prepare her to return to formal school after the end of the conflict in Syria. Credit: Delil SOULEIMAN/Save the Children/GPE via AP Content Services

Partner since:

Total grant support: US$46,597,957

Grant eligibility:

  • Multiplier
  • System capacity
  • System transformation

Education sector plan

Objective: (re-) engage children in learning by providing equitable access to safer and inclusive learning spaces where children acquire foundational, socio-emotional, life and, where relevant, vocational skills necessary to continue their education and be prepared for adult life.

Other key documents

Coordinating agency: Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), FCDO, Foreign, UK Office for Syria, United Kingdom

GPE Team lead: Muhammad Tariq Khan

Contact the GPE team lead

Transforming education in Syria

Syria's 14-year conflict created significant barriers for children to access quality education.

The country’s transition to a new government in 2025 has opened new opportunities for engagement and reform, including Syria becoming a GPE partner country.

Prior to joining GPE, Syria received over US$46 million in grants with exceptional approval by the GPE Board, providing emergency support for children affected by conflict, displacement and crises.

Since 2020, GPE has worked alongside partners to establish safe learning spaces, train teachers, support children to catch up on learning, provide psychosocial support to children and teachers, and strengthen community engagement.

Non-formal education pathways have brought out-of-school children into classrooms, helping them develop skills to transition to formal education.

With evolving political priorities, there is a movement to bring all children in all parts of the country back to classrooms and back to hope.

The Ministry of Education is working with GPE and other partners to further strengthen sector coordination for a more effective and resilient education system and shape a stronger future for Syria’s children.

Result story

Syria: A back-to-school moment like no other

Syria: A back-to-school moment like no other
  • Syria's 14-year conflict created significant barriers for children to access quality education—but since 2020, support from GPE has enabled thousands to learn in safe environments.
  • Non-formal education pathways have brought out-of-school children into classrooms, helping them catch up on lost learning and develop skills to transition to formal education.
  • Amid Syria’s recent transition, the start of a new school year is more than an academic milestone; it marks a commitment to peace, resilience and the future of Syria’s children.
Read the story

Grants

(data as of December 11, 2025)

 

  • Type: System capacity

    Years: 2024 - 2027

    Allocation: US$1,600,887

    Utilization: US$548,888

    Grant agent: UNICEF

  • Type: Accelerated funding

    Years: 2024 - 2025

    Allocation: US$1,000,000

    Utilization: US$975,310

    Grant agent: Save the Children US

  • Type: Accelerated funding

    Years: 2023 - 2025

    Allocation: US$15,000,000

    Utilization: US$12,883,786

    Grant agent: Save the Children US, UNICEF

  • Type: Program implementation

    Years: 2021 - 2025

    Allocation: US$18,746,532

    Utilization: US$17,064,267

    Grant agent: UNICEF

Latest blogs and news

September 30, 2025
Syria: A back-to-school moment like no other
In Syria, non-formal education pathways have brought out-of-school children into classrooms, helping them catch up on lost learning and develop skills to transition to formal education.