IDLIB, SYRIA, November 13, 2019 — Baitulmaal recently finished installing solar power systems in three schools that provide education to 2,285 students in war-torn Syria.

According to the Assistance Coordination Unit “Schools in Syria” report, parents are reluctant to send their children to school because many schools in Syria are poorly equipped or damaged from the conflict. This leaves children at risk of losing interest in education, which may significantly limit their opportunities later in life.

An estimated 2.1 million children and youth no longer attend school in Syria because of the ongoing civil war. Roughly 3.3 million who do attend school need educational assistance.

Before the war, Syria had a good educational system. By 2011, 91% of children ages 6 to 11 were enrolled in school. By 2015, that rate plummeted to 37% because of the war (source: UNESCO).

Baitulmaal representatives said such educational support makes a big, positive impact for Syrian children struggling to survive and thrive amidst the conflict.

“Something as simple as being able to power lights or a laptop can be the difference between a child attending school or staying at home,” said Elizabeth Sohail, Programs Manager for Baitulmaal. “Thanks to our donors, more than 2,000 students have been given a better chance in life.”

Sohail said Baitulmaal is planning another school-support aid package of stoves and heaters for schools inside Syria. She said anyone interested in supporting this effort can do so through the Baitulmaal website at baitulmaal.org/donate.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Dallas, the charity has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit as well as international offices in Jordan, Kenya and Pakistan.

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