This policy brief, "Education in Conflict: Disrupted Education – A View from Inside Syria," examines the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on Syria’s education system, where 2.4 million children—half of the school-age population—are out of school. The brief highlights how attacks on schools, displacement, resource constraints, and politicization of education have eroded access, quality, and inclusiveness, undermining progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Drawing on evidence from interventions implemented during the conflict, it underscores the urgent need for targeted policies that strengthen education continuity, promote social cohesion, and protect children’s right to learning in crisis contexts.

What This Policy Brief Offers

• Analysis of Conflict-Induced Barriers to Education

• Insights on Access, Quality, and Inclusion under SDG 4

• Evidence-Based Recommendations to Support Education in Emergencies

Why It Matters

The Syrian conflict has left nearly half of its children out of school, with learning environments damaged and fragmented. Beyond infrastructure loss, disparities in access, teacher shortages, and curriculum polarization threaten long-term social stability. Rebuilding education requires not only physical reconstruction but also policies that harmonize curricula, foster inclusivity, and integrate humanitarian assistance with development strategies.

👉 [Read the full policy brief] to learn how innovative interventions—such as accelerated learning, teacher training, and inclusive programs—can help restore education pathways and promote resilience in conflict-affected Syria.

Key Publication

Hammad, S. H., & Cochrane, L. (2025). Disrupted education: a view from inside Syria: critical literature review and lessons for policy and practice. Development in Practice, 35(5), 719–736. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2478496

Keywords

Conflict-Affected Education, SDG 4 – Quality Education, Access and Inclusion in Emergencies, Teacher Capacity in Crisis Contexts, Alternative and Accelerated Learning Programs