Freedom and challenges: Syrians return to schools post-Assad
4 min read
A week after Assad's regime fell, Syrians are embracing newfound freedoms amid the challenges of rebuilding the country, navigating emotional wounds, economic ruin, and divisions left by years of war.
A week after the unexpected fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syrians are returning to their daily lives with a renewed sense of freedom, mixed with emotions ranging from hope to uncertainty. For the first time in years, the streets of Syria are no longer under the shadow of the regime’s oppression. As rebels now take charge, the country is experiencing a period of transition, with people feeling a mixture of happiness for newfound liberties and sorrow for the years of suffering and brutality under Assad’s rule.
Maysoun al-Ali, the principal of Nahla Zaidan School, reflected on the historic moment as students and teachers returned to class. “Today is the first day of classes since the regime fell. We are now in free Syria. Our country always aims for the best. We are working to rebuild this nation with these children, even if some feel afraid. They are here to help build Syria and share in its successes. We hope for more progress, safety, and development in this beloved country.” Her words echo the sentiment felt by many Syrians—while the past years have been marked by pain and oppression, there is now a glimmer of optimism and the possibility of rebuilding a country that has long been ravaged by war.
Despite the many challenges that remain, the transition has been surprisingly smooth, with only a few incidents of revenge or sectarian violence. Unlike many post-conflict situations, where cycles of retaliation and bloodshed can persist, this period of change has been marked by a relative sense of order. Rebel fighters have taken up the responsibility of maintaining peace, ensuring that looting and vandalism, common in the early days of regime collapse, are swiftly addressed. While tensions still run high, there is a collective effort to maintain stability and avoid further violence.
Ribah al-Ahmad, a resident of Damascus, shared her experience of returning to university after the regime’s fall. “A week after the fall of Assad’s government, we are back at the university. The atmosphere is calmer, attendance is up, and the professors are more supportive.” This sense of relief is echoed across the country, as institutions of higher learning reopen, and people return to their education and work. For many, it feels like a new chapter is beginning—a time to rebuild and heal from the deep scars of war and oppression.
However, despite the relief and optimism, the aftermath of Assad’s fall is far from easy. War has torn families apart, with many losing loved ones and others still separated by borders or unable to find their missing relatives. Former prisoners, who endured years of torture and confinement, now carry the trauma of their experiences, and many detainees remain unaccounted for. The emotional scars left by the regime’s brutality are deep, and while the fall of Assad’s government represents a victory for many, it also marks the beginning of a long journey of healing for those who have suffered most.
Economically, Syria is in ruins. The country’s infrastructure has been destroyed, and the economy is in shambles. Poverty is widespread, with many Syrians struggling to make ends meet in a country where inflation is soaring and unemployment is high. The remnants of corruption are still visible, with everyday life still marred by the same systemic problems that plagued the country under Assad’s regime. While the regime’s collapse may signal a political victory, the challenges of rebuilding the nation’s economy and addressing the deep inequalities remain overwhelming.
Furthermore, the country remains deeply divided. The legacy of Assad’s rule has left Syria fragmented, with different regions controlled by various factions and no clear path to national unity yet in sight. The prospect of reconciliation and healing is complicated by the deep divisions that have emerged over the course of the conflict. While some see the fall of the regime as an opportunity to move forward, others fear the power struggles and factionalism that could arise in the absence of a central authority.
Despite these challenges, many Syrians are eager to find a new path forward. There is a collective desire for peace, development, and progress. For many, the top priority is rebuilding the country, ensuring that future generations can grow up in a Syria that is free from the oppression and violence that characterized the past fifty years of Assad’s rule. The hope is that through collective effort, the nation can overcome the scars of war and corruption, and work toward creating a more just and prosperous society.
In the aftermath of the regime’s fall, Syrians are navigating a delicate balance between hope and uncertainty. While the road ahead is undoubtedly difficult, the sense of newfound freedom and possibility is palpable. People are coming together, working toward a brighter future, and striving to rebuild a country that has suffered so much. The journey will be long and fraught with challenges, but for the first time in decades, many Syrians are optimistic that a new chapter has begun, one where they can reclaim their country and their future.
About The Author
