On Children’s International Day: Damascus University Supports Children through Curricula, Academic and Research Programs, and Events

 This year, the world celebrates World Children's Day under the theme: "Listen to the Future”. The celebration of this day comes in honor of children and to emphasize the need to secure all their rights. This day also provides an opportunity for interested individuals and institutions to defend, promote and celebrate children's rights, and translate them into discussions and actions to build a better world for children.

In this regard, Damascus University has paid great attention to the issues of children from the psychological, social, cultural and health aspects through its curricula, academic programs, scientific departments and research centers, by establishing specialized departments in the Faculty of Education. Child Education Department works on preparing educational cadres in the first cycle of basic education, raising the level of efficiency of teachers of the Ministry of Education, and providing practical training to public and private entities in the fields of teacher preparation and training.

Early Education (Kindergarten) Department at the Faculty of Education is concerned with training teachers in many ways. Physical, musical, social and artistic activities (such as puppetry and theatre) as well as playing are geared so that children grow up in healthy ways. Also, in this context, cadre are qualified to work with children with special needs at private care centers and social service institutions.

It is worth to mention that the university has also established kindergartens on campus for employees’ children (up to 5-years-old children). The kindergartens provide haven for those children who learn, play and acquire different skills.

The university has been keen on research related to children too, publishing studies in various educational fields (including kindergarten) with a wide spectrum of interests in psychology, medicine and art.

Arab Journal of Dentistry, which has been issued by Damascus University this year, aims to improve Pediatric Dentistry, throughout preventative methods, diagnosis, and dental treatment- especially for kids with other health problems. The journal is also concerned with clinical research.

In line with the university’s stance, partnerships with agencies which care for children’s rights have been built and cooperation with civil societies has been established through sharing counsel, research, initiatives and social and scientific events in order to raise awareness about health and psychology.

Damascus University is the only Syrian university which provides various, free medical services to children through Children University Hospital. The hospital provides training to medical students, postgraduates and the Arab Board students.

It is also worth to mention that the university organizes a lot of workshops, seminars and lectures that related to field of childhood.