More than 200,000 students return to schools in Syria’s Raqqa as second term begins

More than 200,000 students have returned to schools across Syria’s Raqqa province with the start of the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, local education authorities said on Tuesday.

Raqqa’s Director of Education, Khalil al-Ibrahim, said during an inspection tour that efforts are under way to address challenges facing the education sector as quickly as possible within available resources. He said school infrastructure is receiving continued attention to ensure classes run smoothly.

Deputy Education Minister for Educational Affairs Youssef Annan said during a separate visit earlier this week that the ministry is monitoring schools’ readiness to provide an appropriate learning environment as the new term begins. He said work is continuing to improve conditions and resolve any emerging difficulties.

The Ministry of Education extended the mid-year break by one week and delayed the start of the second semester until Feb. 1 to allow for the rehabilitation of schools and the provision of logistical support in the Syrian Jazira region. The move followed the restoration of government control under an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces and aimed to ensure a unified start date for the second semester nationwide.