Idlib, Sept. 21 (SANA)Two schools in Syria’sIdlib countrysidereopened Sunday after rehabilitation, restoring education services for children in Quniyah and Al-Yacoubiyah as residents return to the area.The Holy Land Schools had sustained partial damage and were restored to provide students with a suitable learning environment.

The reopening ceremony was attended by Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh, Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Kabawat, Idlib Governor Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Vatican Ambassador Luigi Roberto Cona, Custos of the Holy Land Francis Yelbo, and local officials and community representatives.Al-Saleh told SANA that government teams have removed more than three million square meters of rubble across Syrian provinces, with particular focus on Idlib countryside due to the scale of destruction.He said the reopening of schools reflects efforts to restore essential services and support the return of residents from displacement areas by improving living conditions and creating opportunities in their communities.

Kabawat said reopening the two schools after years of closure contributes to strengthening social cohesion and rebuilding trust, adding that efforts are focused on supporting citizens and restoring essential services, particularly education.She said community support efforts are continuing alongside the return of residents to their areas.Idlib Governor Mohammad Abdul Rahman said the reopening of schools is part of wider rehabilitation efforts in areas where residents have returned. He added that Quniyah, Al-Yacoubiyah, Al-Jadida and Al-Ghassaniyah have seen the return of about 90 percent of their residents.Teacher Mariet Karbit from Quniyah said she had previously taught students in the corridors of homes in previous years due to damage to the school building and difficult conditions.

Idlib’s Directorate of Education said around 1,900 schools are now operating in the province, including 100 newly established or rehabilitated schools this academic year. It added that 650 schools have been restored and returned to service, serving more than 540,000 students, an increase of around 40,000 as returning families bring more children back to schools.