Damascus, Sept. 10 (SANA)Syria’sCulture Ministryis stepping up efforts to combat illiteracy and expand access toadult educationas the country grapples with the legacy of years of war and displacement that has left about one in five Syrians unable to read or write.

The ministry highlighted the scale of the challenge at an event markingInternational Literacy Day,where officials outlined plans to expandliteracy programs,introduce new teaching methods and use digital technology to reach people who have been excluded from education.

Ministry data presented at the event showed that around 4 million people in Syria are illiterate, equivalent to about 20% of the population, while an estimated2.5 million childrenhave dropped out of education.

Officials said years of war, displacement and deteriorating economic and social conditions had contributed to the high numbers, making literacy not only an educational issue but also a challenge for the country’s broader recovery and development.

Mohammad al-Asha, director of theCultural Development and Adult Education Departmentat the ministry, said authorities were pursuing two parallel approaches to address the problem.

More than 400 literacy courses have been launched since the beginning of the year as part of an immediate response, while the ministry is also developing a national plan aimed at reducing theilliteracy rateto single digits within three years.

New curriculaare expected to go beyond basic reading and writing skills to include digital and legal literacy, critical thinking and Syrian cultural identity, as well as awareness aimed at preventing extremism, addiction and behavioral problems.

DeputyCulture Minister Ahmad al-Sawwafsaid literacy was closely linked to human dignity, development and citizenship, describing reading and writing as essential tools for people to understand their rights and responsibilities and participate in rebuilding their communities.

The event also focused on using digital technology andartificial intelligenceto expand adult education at a time when limited resources and staffing pose additionalchallenges.

Engineer Ramez al-Sammak said digital tools could be used to assess learners’abilities and tailor educationalcontent to individual needs, helping move literacy programs beyond traditional classroom-based teaching.

Such technology could also help programs reach more people and address difficulties including low motivation and the challenge of attending lengthy courses, participants at a specialized seminar on digital literacy education said.

The event honored 18 people who had benefited from adult education programs, including some who went on to complete secondary education and others who used their newlyacquired skillsto start income-generating projects in food production, handicrafts, woodworking and crochet.

People with disabilities who continued their education despite difficult circumstances were also honored.

The Culture Ministry said tackling illiteracy required a broad national effort to help vulnerable groups regain access to education and overcome economic, social andpsychological barriers.

Through its Adult Education Directorate, the ministry implements Syria’s national literacy policy and develops programs aimed at providingsustainable learning opportunitiesand helping people excluded from formal education participate more fully in social and cultural life.