Education Tents in Jabal al-Akrad: Children Study Amid the Ruins of War
Walat TV – Erbil
The Jabal al-Akrad region in the countryside of Latakia Province continues to endure the devastating aftermath of Syria’s long war, as destruction and neglect have erased much of its infrastructure — including the schools that once represented hope for an entire generation.
The ruins scattered across northern Latakia’s villages serve as a painful reminder of years of conflict, not only for adults but also for the children now studying inside makeshift tents.
Hundreds of students attend classes in these temporary shelters, which lack the most basic educational necessities. Severe Hardships in Makeshift Classrooms Parents describe how their children struggle to focus inside overcrowded tents, where students from different grades — such as third and fourth — share the same space, causing confusion and distraction due to overlapping lessons and noise.
Teachers echo these concerns, pointing to the absence of heating, textbooks, and stationery, making the learning process feel more like a reminder of war than a fresh start.
According to local sources, 19 schools in Jabal al-Akrad were destroyed during previous battles, leaving the area with almost no functioning educational facilities.
Efforts to Address the Crisis.
Faced with this dire situation, humanitarian organizations have sought alternative solutions to ensure that returning children can continue their education.
In cooperation with UNICEF and the Latakia Directorate of Education, the Mosaic Relief and Development Organization established a temporary school in the town of Salma, consisting of four educational tents.
The facility accommodates around 120 students from preparatory and primary levels under the “Yam Educational Project”, which aims to help children recover lost learning and reintegrate into the school system.
Despite these efforts, the need remains critical for safe and fully equipped learning environments that can restore stability to children’s lives — and help them move beyond the memories of war that still surround their classrooms.