The challenge
The Syrian civil war continues into its 5th year. 3.928.005 Syrian refugees registered by UNHCR fled their country. Of these, 630.000 Syrian refugees have found shelter in Jordan - adding 10% to the existing population of the country. An enormous influx of people in a very short time is putting severe pressures on already stressed coping mechanisms of host communities & their environment: insufficient employment opportunities, scarce water resources, overcrowded schools operating in double shifts, limited access to health providers and housing, insufficient municipality services such as waste management, limited access to higher education due to high study fees, all along with decreasing salaries, and an increasing costs of living. Host community members are facing a growing frustration. Meanwhile, Syria risks losing the potential of an entire young generation needed to rebuild the country and to face a future.
Our approach
"New perspectives through academic education and training for young Syrians and Jordanians" is part of the special initiative "Refugees" of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Young Syrian refugees and dis-advantaged Jordanians receive scholarships for individual Master studies at a Jordanian university of their choice. 50% of the scholarship holders are women. In selected host communities young academics benefit from human capacity development activities in the field of conflict management and prevention of violence. Together with local partners the program assists Jordanian and Syrian high school students in obtaining an education level qualifying for future academic studies and supports community based initiatives allowing young academics to make use of their academic skills.
Furthermore, the program supports the set-up of an exchange platform for international donors, NGOs and university experts allowing the sharing of knowledge and experiences related to aspects of "studying as a refugee" and advocating for the facilitation of improved access to an academic education for young Syrian refugees and dis-advantaged Jordanians.
The benefits
Young Syrians gain academic knowledge needed to rebuild their country. Disadvantaged Jordanians gain access to an academic education. Young Jordanians and Syrians develop coping strategies to meaningfully use their academic skills for the benefit of hosting communities and to build their self –esteem despite the refugee crisis and its multiple impacts on the hosting communities and refugees’ lives.
Success factors
A number of Syrian refugees and disadvantaged young Jordanians pursue a Master study course and graduate from university. Young academics in Jordanian host communities of Syrian refugees strengthen their skills in conflict management and use their academic skills for the benefit of their respective host communities. Knowledge of aspects of "studying as a refugee" is accumulated, shared and further developed.