Interim Minister of Education Seek Ukraine’s Recognition of the Syrian High School Certificate

Mohiuddin Binanah, interim Minister of Education, stressed “the need to invest in the friendly relationship between the peoples of Syria and Ukraine and cooperate in the field of education,” during a meeting with Vladimir Jakovenko, acting Consulate of Ukraine in Istanbul. The meeting discussed the possibility of Ukrainian recognition of the secondary school certificate issued by the Syrian interim Ministry of Education. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Farhad Sheikh Bakr, adviser to the Interim Minister. Binanah overviewed the tragic reality of education in Syria, noting that there are 3.5 million schoolboys who are deprived of education as a result of Assad’s deliberate targeting of schools. The meeting also discussed the possibility of cooperation for the restoration of damaged schools and supporting education even if this will be done through civil society organizations. Binanah expressed hope that the Ukrainian consulate would help in securing scholarships for Syrian students in Ukrainian universities. Mr. Jakovenko pointed out that his “country’s proposed plans to support education for the Syrian students were largely affected by the political situation in Ukraine, though we continue to support some small educational projects.” (Source: Syrian Interim Government)