Syria’s new school curriculum comes under criticism

The new Syrian government has introduced a new school curriculum, which to some people in the country seem to be more leaning towards the ideologies of the new Islamist-led authorities.

There have also been protest calls ahead of the start of school terms. The primary contention point for the critics of the new curriculum is that it was issued without stakeholder consultations.

The new curriculum was published on the interim government’s Facebook page, via the education ministry. The curriculum is applicable for all age groups and is said to include “a more Islamic slant”. Moreover, it has dropped all references to the Assad regime.

Evolution and any ideas pertaining to the Big Bang Theory have been dropped from science teachings. Any religions practiced in Syria before Islam and any references to their gods have also been removed.

Moreover, “Defending Allah” has replaced the phrase “Defending the nation”, with the Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri downplaying the move. He has called the curriculum “essentially unchanged”, adding that it will remain so until “specialised committees review and revise it.”

The minister added that the only curriculum that has been altered is the one glorifying Assad’s rule, along with removal of “inaccuracies” in the Islamic educational curriculum.

Some factions of the country have welcomed the changes. However, the resurgent civil society activists as well as those returning to Syria after a long time have been critical of the move.

The curriculum change has also come in stark opposition to the otherwise approach of inclusion and consultation taken by the new government. The new officials have been holding meetings with multiple communities and religious factions in Syria, while sending the message that they wish the new Syria where everyone in the country has a voice and a stake.

However, the new curriculum has been issued without any stakeholder consultations, undermining the initial message and promises made by the new government.

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