Post-War Syria: Aid Declines as Educational Needs Rise – NPO Launches Crowdfunding to Sustain Kindergarten for 180 Children

NPO Corporation Piece of Syria (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Takayuki Nakano), an organization supporting education in Syria, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to continue supporting the kindergarten it operates within Syria.

This project aims to raise 5 million yen to cover the operational costs of a kindergarten attended by 180 children.

■ Project Page
https://readyfor.jp/projects/syria2026

From Conflict to Daily Life: Restoring Normalcy for Syrian Children

By the end of 2024, after more than 13 years of civil war, Syria reached a turning point, and the journey toward reconstruction has begun.

However, as the conflict is now perceived as “over,” international aid has been declining. Meanwhile, over one million people have returned, and the number of children in need of education continues to rise.

Support is decreasing, yet the number of children needing help keeps growing—this is the current reality in Syria.

Many children have been unable to access adequate learning opportunities during displacement, and others carry psychological trauma from the war.

To ensure these children can transition smoothly and safely into elementary school, the role of kindergartens—providing foundational learning and emotional care—has become more critical than ever.

Currently, Piece of Syria’s kindergarten continues to receive far more enrollment inquiries than its capacity, reflecting the growing demand for educational support.

Reducing Dropout Rates from 55% to Under 10%: Empowering Futures Through Child-Centered Education

At Piece of Syria’s kindergarten, children do not only learn letters and numbers. Through play, dialogue, field trips, and various activities, they develop the ability to think independently, express themselves, and collaborate with peers.

As a result of these efforts, in Syria—where the primary school dropout rate reaches 55%—children who graduate from Piece of Syria’s kindergarten have a dropout rate of less than 10% after entering elementary school.

Many graduates are also recognized as outstanding students, demonstrating the kindergarten’s vital role in supporting children’s long-term learning.

To sustain this impactful educational support, Piece of Syria has launched this crowdfunding campaign.

Crowdfunding Overview

Project Page

https://readyfor.jp/projects/syria2026

Duration

Ongoing until July 31, 2026 (Fri) 23:00 JST

Target Amount
5 million yen (All-or-Nothing: Funds will only be received if the target is met)

Fund Usage

Funds will be used for the following purposes:

- One year of kindergarten operational costs
- Staff salaries (for 12 staff members)
- Textbooks and stationery (for 180 children)

- Desks and chairs for the kindergarten
- Rent
- Utilities and heating oil
and more

Comments

・Takayuki Nakano (Representative Director)

"Last year, I was able to return to Syria—where I had served as a volunteer for two years—for the first time in 15 years. I was deeply moved by the unchanging friendship with friends who had endured difficult times. The children who were in elementary school back then have now grown into doctors, teachers, and even parents, and during my visit, I was supported by them. When I heard one say, 'You were young back then, but I’ve always remembered you,' I reaffirmed my commitment to continue creating meaningful, lasting activities through Piece of Syria. I hope to share those words with all of you who support us, and I pledge to continue this work for the next 5, 10 years, and beyond."

・Syrian Staff Member

"To our supporters in Japan: We sincerely thank you for supporting Syrian education for over 10 years.
Now that the long war has ended, Syria is beginning to rebuild its education sector. We deeply respect Japan as a successful model of post-war recovery, having rebuilt its education system from difficult circumstances after World War II, and we strongly wish to learn from your experience.
Education cannot wait. The children you support today will soon become doctors, engineers, and teachers—building a peaceful, new Syria. The day will come when these children can personally thank you.
To co-create a new generation, we kindly ask for your continued partnership. Thank you very much."

Organization Overview

Organization Name

NPO Corporation Piece of Syria

Established

2016 (Incorporated in 2021)

Headquarters

Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Activities

Educational support for Syrians; awareness-raising activities, lectures, and photo exhibitions in Japan

Achievements and Awards
Recognized for its efforts, receiving accolades including Forbes JAPAN’s '50 NPOs to Watch,' Newsweek’s '100 Japanese People Respected by the World,' the Lion Standing Against the Wind Award of the Year, and Social Contribution Awards. The organization strives for transparent operations, conducting audits by certified public accountants and working toward certification as a Certified NPO.

Links

Web: http://piece-of-syria.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piece.of.syria/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piece.of.syria

X: https://twitter.com/piece_of_syria

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PieceofSyria

Donations: https://piece-of-syria.org/whatyoudo/donation.html

Contact

NPO Corporation Piece of Syria
Email: contact@piece-of-syria.org