Education can't wait

As the dawn of change and hope emerges in Syria, Jafra Foundation for Relief and Youth Development reaffirms an unchanging truth: we are one people sharing one destiny and one pain. With the beginning of a new chapter in Syria’s history, we believe that hope is born out of unity. The priority now is to preserve the unity of the land of Syria and its people and to join forces in building a future that embraces everyone. In this spirit, Jafra Foundation remains committed to continuing its work through programs aimed at alleviating suffering and enhancing resilience, believing that what binds us is not only history but also a shared dream of a fairer and more humane tomorrow.

In this transformative moment, the importance of education takes center stage. Education is not just a right but a cornerstone for rebuilding communities and empowering individuals to shape their future. It equips children and youth with the tools they need to overcome adversity, while fostering critical thinking, innovation, and social cohesion.

Through educational programs, Jafra Foundation seeks to break cycles of poverty, produce opportunities, and nurture a generation capable of leading Syria into a brighter and more equitable tomorrow. By prioritizing education, Jafra ensures that hope does not fade but flourishes in classrooms and hearts across the country, uniting communities in the pursuit of a fairer and more humane future.

When formal educational activities ceased on March 30, 2024, Jafra transitioned to voluntary intensive courses focusing on critical subjects.

The average success rate for certificate students across four regions (4 ninth-grade and 8 twelfth-grade classes) was an impressive 89%, despite many students starting with weak educational foundations. This achievement underscores the impact of Jafra dedication to quality education.

In Qudsaya, Jafra launched summer courses in key subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, Arabic, and English, providing educational support to 35 students. Similarly, in South Damascus, transitional courses for grades 3–8 reached approximately 175 students, bridging gaps in their education and setting a strong foundation for future learning.

In Homs, Jafra efforts enabled 20 students who had dropped out after 9th grade to return to school, offering them free and accessible quality education. Four mothers, driven by a desire to improve their own education and better support their children, joined 9th-grade classes, demonstrating the ripple effect of empowering education. Several students in the region excelled academically, with many advancing to higher education, supported every step of the way by Jafra.

In Qudsaya, success stories include a 9th-grade student who achieved the highest score in the region, an extraordinary 3037/3100, and a student who returned to education after a four-year hiatus, completing 9th grade and continuing their journey to 12th grade.

In Jaramana Camp, resilience and determination shone brightly. One student overcame societal pressures to successfully complete 9th grade, while another pursued higher education, progressing to university. These stories highlight the profound and transformative power of education.

In South Damascus, the inspiring story of a father and son pursuing education together captured the community’s admiration. The father, now advancing in his secondary education, embodies the shared journey of learning and growth.

Jafra Foundation’s dedication to fostering resilience, opportunity, and success through education continues to transform lives, inspiring hope and progress for individuals, families, and communities.

At the conclusion of the 2023–2024 school year, Jafra initiated its annual assessment to determine the level of achievement accomplished by our students. Indeed, the year proved to be a success. 91% of candidates pass the official tests for secondary certificates, and 95% pass the official exam for preparatory certificates.

An average of 1200 students receive non-formal education from Jafra per school year, and Jafra makes them ready to take the official certification exams administered by the Syrian government. Students can therefore pursue their education at universities and hold recognized qualifications, just like any other citizen. There were 1615 students enrolled for this last academic year, a notable increase for our services.

Given that there are almost twice as many female students in our classes as male students, it is noteworthy that female students are actively participating in our classes. The fact that girls are largely included in the educational system, in Jafra's opinion, is a very encouraging sign and a wonderful promise for the education of future generations and the future potential carrier of the girls themselves.

It's also important to remember that half of the children are in elementary school, with the other half being divided between preparatory and secondary education. This demonstrates that learners have a propensity to continue their education and make it to the final year, the Baccalaureate level.