According to the Bank’s website, the objective of this project is to support learning recovery and restore minimum school functionality in targeted schools and strengthen education system capacity in Syria.

The proposed operation supports the recovery of the education system in Syria through two interrelated components. The operation will:
(i) recover foundational literacy and numeracy skills among basic education students through a structured, TaRL-informed pedagogical approach embedded within existing classroom practices, including practical socio-emotional learning strategies to support vulnerable, displaced, and returnee learners;
(ii) expand access to structured academic support for upper-grade students by building on the MoE's existing Virtual School platform through low-cost blended and offline learning models;
(iii) restore targeted schools to safe and functional learning environments through light to moderate rehabilitation works, using school selection as a vehicle for improved construction and procurement standards; and
(iv) strengthen the MoE's existing education information system by improving data assurance and coverage, and build institutional capacity for effective project coordination, fiduciary management, and pedagogical implementation.

The Project’s Environmental Risk is assessed as Moderate based on the nature, scale, and location of the proposed activities. Project interventions are limited to light to moderate rehabilitation works within existing school facilities, including repairs of classrooms and basic service infrastructure, with no new construction or expansion beyond existing footprints. The environmental setting of the Project is predominantly built-up and modified, consisting of established institutional facilities embedded in residential areas. The rehabilitation activities are not expected to interact with natural habitats, protected areas, or environmentally sensitive ecosystems. Potential environmental impacts, such as dust, noise, and solid wastes, are expected to be site-specific, temporary, and reversible, typical of small-scale rehabilitation works, and can be effectively addressed through standard mitigation measures which are technically available at the national level and will not incur excessive costs. The Project does not involve activities with high pollution potential, significant resource extraction, or hazardous materials beyond routine minor rehabilitation/reconstruction inputs within the existing footprints.

T he Project’s Social Risk is Substantial.  The project involves moderate civil works with no anticipated irreversible adverse impacts. However, some potential social risks have been identified at concept stage which need to be assessed further and mitigated as required. These include: i. inequitable access to project benefits or exclusion of vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities, girls, returnees, and communities in areas of persistent insecurity due to lack of consultation with these groups and poor identification of their needs; ii. potential increase in social tension and conflict among communities related to school selection and resource allocation, and due to a perception of exclusion; iii. potential exposure of vulnerable students such as children with disabilities and girls to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA/SH) during school rehabilitation (Component 2) and education activities (in-person and online) under Component 1, and SEA/SH of teachers/school personnel during education and training activities; (iv) risks related to labor and working conditions for workers across components and risk of child labor (Component 2); and (v) limited experience of the PMU to manage social risks in accordance with ESF requirements. No land acquisition or resettlement is required under the project as rehabilitation works will be carried out within the existing footprint of school supported by the project.

Total Project Cost: US$ 65.00 million
IDA Grant: US$ 65.00 million

CONTACT POINT - World Bank

Task Team Leader: Raja Bentaouet Kattan
Title: Lead Education Specialist
Email: rbkattan@worldbank.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

To submit an information request for project information, you will have to create an account to access the Access to Information request form. You can learn more about this process at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/access-to-information/request-submission

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint