Syria: Education in the aftermath of an earthquake

June 30, 2025 by GPE Secretariat |

4 minutes read

How GPE and partners supported education in Syria throughout years of conflict, crisis and disrupted education, including in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2023.

This story was written in collaboration with Save the Children.

Meet Wael and Karim, two boys who live in areas of Syria that were struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023. Their schools were damaged and unsafe, and their education was disrupted for several months.

Thanks to support from GPE and Save the Children, the schools were rehabilitated, and Wael, Karim and their peers resumed learning in safe environments.

Note: All names have been changed to protect the children, their families and community.

Wael, 12

Click on a photo to learn more about Wael's journey.

Wael and his family were displaced three times due to the conflict in Syria, and in 2023 their difficulties were compounded by the powerful earthquake. Throughout years of uncertainty, school has been a source of stability for Wael and his siblings.

Wael and his family were displaced three times due to the conflict in Syria, and in 2023 their difficulties were compounded by the powerful earthquake. Throughout years of uncertainty, school has been a source of stability for Wael and his siblings. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Before heading off to school, Wael pets his cat outside of his family’s home in Northwest Syria. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

“I’d describe myself in three words: smart, energetic, and sharp at school. When I grow up, I want to become an engineer so I can help rebuild our country.” Wael.

“I’d describe myself in three words: smart, energetic, and sharp at school. When I grow up, I want to become an engineer so I can help rebuild our country.” Wael. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Wael’s education was disrupted when his school was damaged by the 2023 earthquake, and he was eager to get back to learning. Thanks to support from GPE and Save the Children, the school was rehabilitated, and Wael now studies in a safe and welcoming environment.

Wael’s education was disrupted when his school was damaged by the 2023 earthquake, and he was eager to get back to learning. Thanks to support from GPE and Save the Children, the school was rehabilitated, and Wael now studies in a safe and welcoming environment. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Wael’s teacher encourages him during a recreational activity. For Wael, his restored school is not just a building; it is a symbol of survival, resilience, and a future full of possibilities.

Wael’s teacher encourages him during a recreational activity. For Wael, his restored school is not just a building; it is a symbol of survival, resilience, and a future full of possibilities. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Following the earthquake, GPE and Save the Children helped repair cracked structures, rebuild damaged walls, install a solar power system, provide clean drinking water, and deliver essential supplies like desks, books and heating for the cold winters.

Following the earthquake, GPE and Save the Children helped repair cracked structures, rebuild damaged walls, install a solar power system, provide clean drinking water, and deliver essential supplies like desks, books and heating for the cold winters. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

After school, Wael returns home for an afternoon of taking care of the family’s livestock and an evening of studying. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

Wael feeds the sheep and goats at his family’s home in Northwest Syria. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

In addition to doing his own homework, Wael helps his younger brother, Rami, 10, with his homework. Photo credit: Khalil Ashawi/Save the Children

“The school needed renovations even before the earthquake hit, but the earthquake caused additional damage, including cracks in the structure, which made the renovations even more urgent. It turned into a full-scale renovation. They even provided us with trees to plant in the school garden. A team from Save the Children visited children who had left school, encouraging them to return – and many did.”

Khaldun

Wael’s school director

Karim, 13

Click on a photo to learn more about Karim's journey.

Karim stands in front of his rehabilitated school in Northeast Syria. After the earthquake, the school’s walls were cracked, windows shattered and doors broken, so students stopped attending. A few months later, the school was repaired, safety equipment provided, and teachers and students trained on how to stay safe.

Karim stands in front of his rehabilitated school in Northeast Syria. After the earthquake, the school’s walls were cracked, windows shattered and doors broken, so students stopped attending. A few months later, the school was repaired, safety equipment provided, and teachers and students trained on how to stay safe. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

Once the school was safe to reopen, students returned, and new students enrolled. Karim is thriving in his 5th grade class.

Once the school was safe to reopen, students returned, and new students enrolled. Karim is thriving in his 5th grade class. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

After the school was rehabilitated, students who had left came back, and enrollment grew from 325 to over 550 students. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

Karim writes on the whiteboard at his school, which was rehabilitated by GPE and Save the Children after being damaged by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Syria in 2023.

Karim writes on the whiteboard at his school, which was rehabilitated by GPE and Save the Children after being damaged by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Syria in 2023. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

Karim enjoys playing football in the schoolyard during a break from class. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

After school, Karim does homework at his home, where he lives with his parents and siblings. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

Karim with his father, Mustafa, who says, “A destroyed house can be rebuilt. Lost land can be regained. But education is the foundation of society. If a child doesn’t go to school and doesn’t learn, they might get involved in trouble and bad influences. Education is what builds a person.”

Karim with his father, Mustafa, who says, “A destroyed house can be rebuilt. Lost land can be regained. But education is the foundation of society. If a child doesn’t go to school and doesn’t learn, they might get involved in trouble and bad influences. Education is what builds a person.” Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

Karim stands next to a truck full of green beans harvested from his family’s farm. Photo credit: Delil Souleiman/Save the Children

“If children are educated, they will play an important role in building their community in a positive and effective way. I hope they succeed in their lives, I hope they will remain active and engaged in their community, and I hope the educational process continues to improve so that we can raise an aware and cultured generation.”

Ali

Karim’s teacher

GPE and partners have supported education in Syria throughout years of conflict, crisis and disrupted education, including in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2023.

The recent transition to a new government brings hope and opportunity to continue expanding access to education for children across the country.

Immediately following the earthquake, GPE in consultation with the Education Dialogue Forum (EDF) in Syria took action to meet the urgent needs of children in affected areas.

GPE mobilized a total of US$18.75 million for activities including setting up temporary learning spaces, cleaning and repairing damaged schools, delivering school meals and providing psychosocial support. UNICEF and Save the Children managed the grant.

In addition, $1.87 million was reprogrammed from the existing $25 million GPE funding to support earthquake education response.

While not a GPE partner country, Syria has received funding with exceptional approval by the GPE Board.

Focus areas: Access to education, Education in crisis situations

Regions and countries: Middle East and North Africa: Syrian Arab Republic

Wael, 12

Karim, 13

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