Content: Türkiyehosts over three million refugees, most of them from Syria. Despite all efforts, the country still faces the challenge of integrating Syrian children into the educational system. Few public schools and education programmes meet the required standards. Conditions worsened after the earthquakes in 2023 in which schools were destroyed, resulting in an acute shortage of classrooms.
The political turmoil in Syria in 2024 has had a profound impact on the situation of Syrian refugees. Uncertainty and fear are creating a negative learning environment for children. Nevertheless, most Syrians will remain in Türkiye for a few more years and will continue to rely on support.
Objective: Early childhood education for Syrian and disadvantaged Turkish children aged three to six years is improved in selected communities.
Approach: The project promotes a comprehensive capacity development strategy for early childhood education in Türkiye. Training courses for educators, pre-school teachers, headteachers and administrative personnel improves capacities for the integration of Syrian children and for the promotion of cooperative behaviour. Increased parental involvement will help Syrian and Turkish families in raising their children in a way that supports their development. The project equips selected pre-schools and public education facilities with needs-based teaching and learning materials. A strategic level, exchange programmes between Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education and educational institutions in Germany help improve standards in the educational system.