ERICC Working Paper _ Education Research Agenda for Northwest Syria
The ERICC Research Agenda for Northwest Syria provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide future research and policy interventions in the education sector, particularly in conflict-affected and protracted crisis contexts. This agenda focuses on addressing the multiple barriers that have disrupted the education system in the region due to ongoing conflict, political fragmentation, displacement, poverty, and violence.
The agenda was developed as part of the Education Research in Conflict and Protracted Crisis (ERICC) program, a multi-country initiative aimed at producing robust evidence on effective education delivery in conflict settings. The specific focus of this agenda is on Northwest Syria (NWS), a region severely impacted by conflict and governed by multiple de facto authorities. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, including workshops with local actors and community members, evidence reviews, and data mapping, the agenda identifies the most pressing research priorities for improving educational access, quality, continuity, and coherence as follows:
Understanding the Context-Related Determinants of Education: Research should focus on how the conflict’s dynamics, such as forced displacement, trauma, poverty, and violence, have affected the education system and its outcomes. By analysing these determinants, the goal is to design policies and interventions that mitigate the negative impacts on learning and prioritise the most vulnerable and marginalised children and communities.
2. Unified and Democratic Governance of Education: Northwest Syria's education system is fragmented, with multiple authorities (e.g., Syrian Interim Government, Syrian Salvation Government, and Turkish influences) exerting control. This priority seeks to understand how governance structures impact education delivery and propose models for more coherent, accountable, and transparent systems. A particular focus is placed on addressing the politicisation of education and gaining international accreditation for students in the region.
3. Developing Teacher Capabilities and Support: The region faces an acute shortage of qualified teachers due to poor working conditions, low wages, and the disruptive impact of the conflict. Research in this area will explore how to improve teacher recruitment, retention, capacity building, and professional development, with a focus on providing dignified working conditions and sufficient support.
4. Curriculum Reform and Pedagogy: The agenda calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the existing curricula, which has been heavily influenced by the various political actors in the region. It advocates for a unified, contextually relevant curriculum that supports critical thinking, creativity, and peacebuilding. Research will also explore how new pedagogical approaches can be integrated to better engage learners and meet the needs of students who have suffered educational disruption.
5. Upgrading Infrastructure and Resources: Educational infrastructure in Northwest Syria has been severely damaged due to the conflict and natural disasters like earthquakes. This priority seeks to research sustainable, community-led solutions for rebuilding schools, improving educational facilities, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The focus is on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations and transitioning from short-term humanitarian responses to long-term development strategies.
