Page 153 - Syrians in Türkiye - Special Report

GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION

IX. The Education of Syrian Children

The fact that almost half of the Syrians in our country are children and the high birthrates
, educational services have undoubtedly crucial importance in order to prevent having a
lost generation by children’s missing education. In addition, since the end of the Syrian
crisis is unpredictable, it is a necessity to facilitate social integration. Language is one
of the main elements of social integration, so learning Turkish has great importance.

According to the data dated October 2017 from the Ministry of Education, the
number of Syrian students attending school was 618,948. Of these children, 32,538
were attending pre-school education for children under 6 years old, while 577,864
students in the 6-17 age group were attending the 1st-12th grades. About 59% of the
Syrian children, or around 833,000 total, were enrolled in school; the enrollment rate
increased to 63% in the 2017 -2018 academic year. The number of people who studied
in Turkish-medium schools and received education based on the Ministry of National
Education curriculum was 351,135 in 2017, which is 57% of those who go to school.

The Ministry of National Education, which is responsible for the execution of
educational services, has observed the necessity of permanent and sustainable solutions
which require intensive and self-sacrificing work. Based on recent decisions made by
the ministry, it is clear that the policy put into practice by the Ministry is aimed to make
Turkish language education more common.

However, although Turkish language lessons were added to the Arabic curriculum
taught in the temporary training centers, it was observed that most of the children in
the temporary accommodation centers did not need to speak Turkish; therefore, they
could not learn Turkish. This situation should change promptly. Hence, it is necessary
that the 404 TTCs be closed as soon as possible and students be transferred to Turkish
public schools.

Children who attend TTCs also have a high risk of joining the missing generation.
The Ministry of National Education also decided that TTCs should not take any more
students, especially in first grade. They need to be closed gradually, and their students
should be transferred to public schools. Within the context of this policy, it is expected
that the “Supporting the Integration of Syrian Children in the Turkish Education
System Project,” which is being carried out with the EU and has a budget of 500
million euros will make a significant contribution to the situation.

When we look at the levels of Syrian children who attend school in Türkiye, we see that
the primary school level enrollment went up to 98%, the middle school level increased

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