Poor education | Idlib schools suffer from lack of supplies and suspension of support while teachers complain of low salaries

Idlib province: Schools in Idlib city have suffered from considerable shortage of supplies and significant reduction of support provided by organisations concerned with education in the region and by the education directorate and ministry of the “Salvation Government.”

 

The city’s schools lack sufficient amounts of heating diesel and schoolbooks; this, in turn, make families to shoulder extra burdens by buying textbooks for their children at bookstores for higher prices.

 

On the other hand, teachers in Idlib city have complained of the low salaries which do not cover the rent fees or living costs, as well as the ongoing pressure exerted by the education directorate of the “Salvation Government,” where many teachers have accused the government of privatisation of education in order to gain more money.

 

Speaking to SOHR, a teacher in Idlib city known by his initials as M. A. said “the education situation in Idlib city and countryside has become disastrous. Most of the teachers are overloaded by teaching in classrooms containing too many students exceeding their capabilities. Meanwhile, salaries range between 100 and 150 USD. Such salaries are lower than salaries provided by other organisations operating in Idlib.”

 

A displaced civilian from Idlib countryside known by his initials as A. S. working as a teacher in Idlib city told SOHR “we, the teachers, try to improve the education which has been deteriorating due to regime bombardment. However, the lack of regular support to teachers and schools and lack of textbooks have placed considerable challenges in light of the current tragic situation.”

 

Many residents have accused the “Salvation Government” that it intentionally contributed to deteriorating education and hindering the development of the education process by marginalising teachers and imposing unjust decision, at a time when the “Salvation Government” circumvents and abdicates its responsibilities, claiming that the support provided to educational projects have been suspended and that the government has no ability to bear the costs of education in Idlib.