Breaking barriers: Ahmad’s tale of transformative teaching in Syria

In Syria, most teachers have traditionally lacked training in inclusive education. But through Canada’s support of the Adolescent Girls’ Education in Crisis Initiative (AGENCI), teachers like Ahmad have reshaped their teaching approach and adopted gender-responsive teaching techniques.

AGENCI’s teacher training focuses on safe, quality, gender-responsive and inclusive approaches to teaching as well as psychosocial support, which empowers adolescent girls and facilitates learning — even in crisis situations. Ahmad’s story illustrates the positive impact that investing in teachers can have and how teachers can help foster inclusive education for girls.

"Initially, I refused the ideas and didn’t think I should change or grow," Ahmad confesses. "I now see a different way of dealing with children... it has a huge effect on them."

Working with AGENCI hasn’t just changed the way the 32-year-old teaches, it has also positively impacted his family life. "What [Adolescent Girls’ Education in Crisis Initiative] is doing for me, I’m now dealing with my daughter better too."