In Coordination with the Ministry of Education, the SRTF and NRC Reopen Al-Asfar School in As-Sweida

As-Sweida – Wednesday, 9 September 2026 – In coordination with the Governorate of As-Sweida, the local administration and community, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), the project’s implementing partner, the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF) today participated in the official reopening of Al-Asfar School in As-Sweida Governorate, following the completion of rehabilitation works under the multi-sector project, “Sustainable Shelter and Infrastructure Recovery Interventions in AsSweida – Phase I”. The school has reopened its doors to students, providing them with a safer and more suitable learning environment.

The rehabilitation works at Al-Asfar School, comprising three buildings with eight classrooms, addressed a number of structural, construction-related and functional deficiencies, enabling the school to accommodate approximately 200 students, in addition to its teaching and administrative staff.

The works included strengthening damaged structural elements, addressing floor-tile settlement, and improving water and sanitation facilities, including tiling works, water-pipe installations, and the cleaning and rehabilitation of sewage lines. The works also included restoring connections to the water supply network and installing water tanks. In addition, damaged walls were rebuilt, and interior and exterior finishing and painting works were carried out in the classrooms. The school playground was also cleaned and painted, and basketball hoops were installed. Furthermore, a solar energy system was installed, providing a sustainable and reliable source of energy. School desks were also supplied to ensure that the school was fully prepared to receive students and resume the educational process efficiently.

On the occasion of the school’s reopening, Dr Mustafa Al-Bakour, Governor of As-Sweida, said: “We are pleased to witness the reopening of Al-Asfar School today, representing an important contribution to supporting our children’s right to education and providing an enabling environment that allows them to continue their education in safe and dignified conditions in As-Sweida Governorate.

This achievement comes as part of the SRTF’s multi-sector project, which also includes the rehabilitation of 100 homes in the area and ensuring reliable access to water through the rehabilitation of a water well and its provision with solar power. These interventions contribute to recovery and the dignified return of residents, with all project activities expected to be completed in early November.

We value the efforts of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund and the Norwegian Refugee Council in financing and implementing this project and look forward to continuing this cooperation in a manner that contributes to improving services and infrastructure, supporting recovery efforts, and strengthening the conditions that enable members of our local communities to build a more stable and prosperous future.”

Mr Federico Jachetti, Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Syria Office, said: “The rehabilitation of Al-Asfar School represents the beginning of a new phase in As-Sweida. Returning children will no longer have to miss out on education because of damaged infrastructure. We are proud to be able to support the wider area by improving access to water and rehabilitating homes as well. We are extremely pleased to partner with the Fund on this project, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation in the future and achieving tangible results in areas that need such essential services.”

Eng. Hani Khabbaz, Director General of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, said: “It is a source of great joy and pride for us to see the dear students of Al-Asfar School in As-Sweida begin their school year in the way they deserve, in a safe learning environment that supports their learning and creativity. The rehabilitation of the school is the first component of a broader, multi-sector recovery intervention in the area. These efforts reaffirm the Fund’s commitment to contributing to recovery, strengthening the resilience of communities, and improving access to services through sustainable solutions that contribute to Syria’s recovery and help ensure stability. We look forward to continuing this cooperation in a manner that serves the people of As-Sweida and contributes to improving infrastructure and services in the area.”

In addition, the 100 homes and the water well, included in the project are currently being handed over to contractors, in preparation for the commencement of rehabilitation and development works. 

For more information about the projects, visit:

Sustainable Shelter and Infrastructure Recovery Interventions in AsSweida – Phase I

For more information on the SRTF visit:

http://www.srtfund.org

Media outlets may contact:
communications@srtfund.org