ALEPPO — Private schools in the opposition-controlled areas in the countryside of Aleppo in northwestern Syria are gaining popularity due to shortages in the public education system. In the repeated waves of displacement and overcrowding in cities such as Al-Bab, Azaz and Afrin, schools are struggling to accommodate the increasing numbers of students.
The shortage of public schools is also attributable to the transformation of a number of schools into military and security headquarters for the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army. The local councils in the cities of al-Bab, Azaz, Afrin and other towns have converted a number of school buildings into office spaces. A significant number of schools have also been destroyed in battles between the Syrian regime and the opposition.
Private schools have surged dramatically in the countryside of Aleppo, especially in the city of Azaz. They have many advantages over public schools such as modern buildings and offer transportation in private buses.
Most private schools have highly qualified teachers. A private school teacher's monthly salary can reach $100, about $20 higher than that of a public school teacher. Qualified teachers find it difficult to survive on teaching salaries. Much of the current staff of public schools have not completed university degrees or have training specific to teaching.
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