Idlib, which has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria, is home to around 420,000 school-age students from kindergarten to high school. However, the education system is severely challenged, with an estimated 250,000 children not attending school, excluding 13-17 year olds who are expected to attend high school. The situation is exacerbated by the economic constraints of the local government and insufficient support from international organisations, leaving a significant number of Idlib's 23,000 teachers working without pay. Of these, 8,000 teachers are volunteers and provide their services without any financial compensation. In addition, there are very few school counsellors to support students' psychosocial and academic development.
In response to these challenges, Children of Earth Association (YECED) established a secondary school in Idlib, serving 2,000 students in a dual education system. The school is strategically located on a hill overlooking the densely populated Atme Camp, meeting the educational needs of this vulnerable population. It will also fulfil the need of children in the region to receive education in a safe and especially warm environment during the winter months.