Equality of Opportunity in Education and Training - Government Education and Training Programmes - Syria

Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is carried out in the Governorates of Damascus, Kounaitrah, Dara`a, and Sweida. It entails raising awareness of rural women on income-generating activities, and methods for processing agricultural products.

Literacy and Vocational Training of Women (Syrian Women's Union)

The literacy and vocational training program includes:

a. The Education of Illiterate Girls in Idlib: The project is based in the region of Idlib in Syria and aimed to reach more than 7000 women. It took place in 1999-2000. Results (reducing illiteracy and training in technical skills) were achieved. An evaluation study is being prepared in order to assess the extent of benefit realised, as well as socio-economic development achieved, and thus draw conclusions concerning the implementation of the program in other regions of the country.

b. The Education of Illiterate Girls in Deir el-Zour: It started in 2001. During 2002, the number of sections in the of Deir el-Zour and el-Mayadeen region reached 255 (4509 students). 20 sessions took place (2000 participants) in Deir el-Zour, and the number of graduates reached 1650 (from 85 sections). 135 sections were set up in Mayadeen (2244 students), 1900 graduated (from102 sessions).

UNICEF inspectors conducted visit to evaluate the project. Training of trainers took place in order to begin the other part of the project (technical education) and provision of centres with necessary equipment for the second part of the project also occurred.

c. The Education of Illiterate Girls in el-A`zaz: In collabouration with UNICEF, preparation took place to implement the project in Idlib and Deir el-Zour . Part of the preparation entailed conducting counts of illiterate women in the region, as well as two training of trainers and supervisors sessions. 50 teachers were trained during the two sessions, which included lectures related to the subjects to be taught, methods of teaching, as well as methods to fabricate educational tools and illustration materials needed during the educational process. Lectures were equally given to participants concerning population, environmental, and psychological issues, as well as on adult education, gender, and sustainable development in general. Currently, preparation is underway to begin classes with villagers.

d. The Pioneer Project of Ruston: During 2002, the administrative bureau of the union in Homs proceeded with literacy classes in villages of the region, distributed educational brochures for literate women, and began training of women in income-generating skills utilizing equipment which already existed at the centre dedicated to the project. The ultimate goal is for the Centre to become a guarantor of sustainable development in the region.

e. The Pioneer Project of Basra: Currently the project is being updated so that it can function anew so that the Centre in the village can employ women it trained, train more women in income-generating skills, and set up more classes for adult education. The ultimate goal is that the Centre becomes a guarantor of sustainable development in the region.

f. Empowerment and Education of Women in Haska: In 2002, and in collaboration with the Bureau for Combating violence in the Governorate, the Union started giving literacy classes and training for women in income-generating skills. Classes began in villages of the Governorate. 15 villages were subject of supervision and field surveys to monitor implementation of the project. A second inspection phase shall include the other villages.