Network/alliances

Hashemite University (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Institutions: Hashemite University
Name of Experience: Social Work Center

Description

The Social Work Center aims to develop the “profession of social work” through strengthening the infrastructure underlying it, particularly the professionals. If they are qualified, these social workers are influential especially that they are in direct and continuous contact with clients and decision makers at various levels. This center also focuses on studying and evaluating the needs of the society, service-users, and services-providers. Accordingly, training and academic plans are developed to meet these needs in accordance with the societal changes such as changes in the structure of the society, laws and legislations, and curriculums of social work. All these perspectives will contribute positively to the profession; social work will be one of the leading professions that deal to the many changes facing the Jordanian society

More information at: Hashemite University Social Work Center

Impact

The Beneficiaries of this initiative are as follows:

• Government and volunteer social organizations, Societies and institutions offering services for families in Zarka, Mafraq, Jarash, and Ajlon Areas.
• Department of Family safety and Protection.
• Clinics, hospitals, healthcare centers, and mental health centers.
• The Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Interior, and the Public Security Directorate.
• Various Organizations and Institutions at Arab Countries The Social Work Center provides the following services: Training.
• Establishing a training unit.
• Developing training packages of social work in different subjects.
• Training on how to apply the developed training portfolios.
• Supervising the training process.
• Conducting national and regional workshops to train social workers on different social work.
• Conducting an annual national conference for exchanging ideas and information about various ways for developing social work profession.

Consultations

• Offering multidisciplinary consultations at the national, regional, and international levels.

Conducting Studies and Research

• Conducting survey to assess public’s attitudes toward social work profession.
• Developing a database about the social work profession, number and mix of social workers, and various societal needs in accordance with the general plan of human resources development in Jordan.
• Conducting studies and joined multidisciplinary research studies with the different related organizations that include studies about social work services provided for different ages.
• Developing tools for screening, diagnosing and evaluating social problems.
• Standardizing available international research tools
• Preparing “a practice manual” for social work profession as well as its code of ethics. Networking and Awareness
• Preparing and applying activates related to raising policy makers’ awareness to develop appropriate policies and legislations related to social work profession.

Networking and Awareness

• Preparing and applying activities to increase public’s acceptance of social
• Work services.
• Coordinating a network among national, regional, international organizations to develop social work services.
• Developing and applying activities to raise the parental awareness of the importance of preventing and dealing with social problems.
• Disseminating results of need assessment study

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific contex

The idea behind the establishment of the Social Work Center in Hashemite University started on December 2006 after a call from Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the President of the Jordan River Foundation, to develop the profession of social work in Jordan. This project was an outcome of a national partnership and collaboration between the Hashemite University, Jordan River Foundation, and British Council The University of Reading (UK) and Brunel University (UK) to develop Social Work as a Profession and to review the way in which future Social Workers are educated. Hashemite University has been responsive and proactive in promoting her majesty’s initiative through establishing multi-disciplinary faculty team to put forwards the draft and action plan to Social Work Project (Professional Diploma Degree in SW, and Center of Social Work for Training, Research, and Consultations)

Sustainability
Sustainability is guaranteed because:

• The committee members of Developing Social Work Center are university staff
• The income from the training courses offered by the center is invested in its sustainability
• The activities are part of the institution’s strategy

Transferability

Depending on the capability of each partner/institution, each can establish a center as the one in the Hashemite University or at least take advantage of training courses by training our staff or providing such courses to the targeted audience in the partner universities.

Innovative character

The center is adapting existing methods and providing support for various organizations and institutions at Arab countries.

Jordan River JRF (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Institutions: Jordan River JRF
Name of Experience: Youth Career Initiative

Description
In 2007, JRF joined forces with Business In The Community (BITC) and leading hotels to begin the Youth Career Initiative (YCI). As a result of this collaboration, Jordan became the first country in the Middle East to implement such a program. YCI was created to empower disadvantaged and vulnerable youth, by equipping them with relevant life and work skills and exposing them to a successful business environment and professionals who will enable them to make informed career choices and become employable. The Program’s strategy focuses on raising awareness on employment opportunities available for youth in the hotel industry, encouraging them and their parents to consider work in hotels.

More information at Jordan River Foundation.

Impact
The Program has achieved the following:

• 72 youth participants have successfully graduated from training courses with improved economic prospects to actively participate in the Jordanian workforce.
• 48 youth participants have successfully been employed in the hotel industry and tourism sector.
• 48 families have benefitted from the supplemental and regular income incurred by these employed youth.
• Seven YCI graduates have returned to the educational system.

YCI graduates have become role models for other youth within their families, peer groups 32 Refugees Education Support in Mena CoUntriEs and communities, in turn making these individuals potential YCI candidates.

Hotels have increased the percentage of qualified Jordanian staff, which indicates a general and increased acceptance of local participation in Jordan’s tourism industry.

The number of annual YCI youth applications has increased, reflecting a positive cultural change in Jordanian youth. The current fifth cycle of the Program includes 25 youth, of whom two are female

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context
Through its main programs Jordan River Community Empowerment Program (JRCEP) and The Jordan River Child Safety Program (JRCSP), JRF addresses the strategic importance of activating the role of youth as key players in the social and economic development of their communities, and is a strong believer that engaging youth in their communities through voluntary interaction at an early stage, and during adolescence, is a strong stimulator for civic engagement in adulthood. The Foundation has a strategic objective of promoting positive youth development by engaging young people in meaningful activities that enhance their skills and capacities. It works towards transforming communities’ perception of youth as challenges that should be controlled and addressed, and instead to regard them as partners in the decision-making process. JRF also encourages the fostering of interpersonal connections between youth from different backgrounds and experiences, and between youth and adults.

The organization has a small group of JRF friends, The Friends of JRF is a small group of women whose volunteer work is at the heart of the Foundation. It also has 17 partnerships with governmental organizations , in addition to many partnerships with local and international organizations.

Sustainability is achieved by volunteers. Also, there are a number of key stakeholder groups providing limited assurance of our sustainability. Finally, the financial sustainability is achieved by donations and governmental support.

Transferability
The Training and Consultancy Services Unit (TCS) uses a capacity building methodology that strengthens beneficiaries’ technical and managerial capacities. This begins by assessing individual capacities and identifying capacity building needs, through specially designed forms and assessment visits. Following this, programs which meet these needs are designed, and TCS staff then follows up with these beneficiaries to evaluate business performance. Training topics and manuals developed by the Unit are based on TCS long-term involvement and expertise in building the capacity of JRF beneficiaries, CBOs and cooperatives.

As it can be seen from their methodology, it can be easily replicated in the partner institutions.

Innovative character
In order to capitalize on Jordan’s large youth population, JRF has developed a number of programs to directly engage youth and enhance their participation in the national and local economy. Through this approach, JRF has seen much success thus helping to tackle Jordan’s youth unemployment rate of 28.1% through the creation of jobs and self-start-ups.

JRF continues to work on tailoring additional programs that enhance civic engagement among youth. Through their participatory approach in the work that they carry out in local communities, they always strive to gain the trust of local youths in order to enhance and customize our programs to fit their needs.

The initiative has been tested and implemented and the reports at thier website reflect their success in this initative and the other initivative they launched

Jusoor-Amal Foundation (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Institutions: Jusoor – Amal Foundation
Name of Experience: Jusoor – Amal Scholarship Fund

Description

The NGO Jusoor and the Amal Foundation have joined efforts to support Syrian students in the Za’tari Camp. The initiative has named as Jusoor-Amal Scholarship Fund and provides Syrian youth leaders in Za’tari Refugee Camp with full scholarships to pursue their undergraduate degree at local Jordanian universities. The Fund targets Syrian youth with a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. The Fund is dedicated to suporting Syrian youth to be positive agents of change in the camp community as well as leades in the future rebuilding of Syria.
The Fund’s model is based primarily on students helping students. U.S. students take a lead in fundraings for the scholarsips as well as raising awareness on their campuses to support their Syrian peers. Syrian scholarship recipients are connected with theri US students counterparts in a program of virtual cultural Exchange, promoting mutual understanding to building bridges between the next generation of global leaders.
The first scholraships were awarded starting the 2016-2017 academic year (2 scholarships).
Two scholarships will be awarded to start the 2017-2019 year.
More information about the Project:

• Jusoor
• The Amal Foundation

Impact
2 Syrian youth leaders have received full scholarships to attend Zarqa University. In September 2017, scholarships will be awarded to 2 Syrian youth leaders. The initiative has enabled Syrian youth leaders to pursue their academic and professional goals, gain hope for their future, and develop relationships with the Jordanian university community and their international student peers. These Syrian youth are leaders in their community, actively engaged in leadership roles and community service projects; they use their education to better support their community in the present and build a peaceful Syria in the future.
500+ US students on 10 college campuses have raised awareness about the Syrian refugee crisis and fundraised to support their Syrian peers. The initiative has helped US students to better understand and emphasize with those affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. The US students see the Syrian crisis through the eyes of their international peers, Syrian students, and have mobilized to raise awareness in their community as well as led fundraising to support scholarships. These students have built greater understanding and empathy towards Syrian refugees and spread this awareness through their community through events such as lectures, movies, walks, and cultural exchange activities.
Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context Scholarship provision remains an important initiative to support refugees in Jordan, where demand for existing scholarship opportunities continues to outpace supply. For example, the Fund’s 2017-2018 intake received nearly 200 applications from Za’atari Camp alone for only 2 spots. The Fund has focused exclusively on refugees in Za’atari Camp due to the Fund’s limited number of scholarships, demonstrated demand from youth in the camp for scholarship opportunities, and existing partnership network in the camp. Each year, this targeting of scholarships is reviewed to determine if expansion to larger group is needed. The Fund is a joint initiative of the Amal Foundation and Jusoor, both 501(c)3 organizations based in the US. The financing comes primarily from public contributions in the US based on a student to student model: US students, professors, and community groups fundraise to support the scholarships (either fundraising to sponsor a full scholarship from their respective community or contributing to a collective sponsorship funded by multiple
groups/sources).

The Fund coordinates with various local partners on this initiative. Zarqa University is the Fund’s university partner, where students are placed and supported throughout their studies. The Fund also pairs scholarship recipients with a local mentor (volunteer), who supports them through their studies and adjustment to university. The Fund works with UNHCR and NGO partners inside Za’atari Camp to inform youth about the scholarship opportunity and help students access the application (application is online; partners offer computer lab access as needed). The Fund also coordinates with other higher education partners through the Tertiary Education Working Group. In the US, the Fund partners with student groups, university communities, and other community groups to fundraise and raise awareness.

Sustainability
The Fund expects to provide 2-4 scholarships each year to refugee students in Jordan based on its current funding sources. The exact number of scholarships offered is determined based on the outcome of each year’s fundraising through US partners. Note, each scholarship provided is fully funded for a four-year course of study (university fees and student stipend) The Fund may expand its target population based on needs in Jordan and the prevalent supply/demand for local scholarships or based on expansion of funding sources.

If the needs change or greater funding is secured, the Fund would extend its target group to Syrian refugees in Jordan (not only Za’atari Camp) or expand its target group to all refugee nationalities in Jordan. The Fund may also explore streamlining its scholarship application process within that of another larger scholarship provider, depending on available and relevant partnerships. These developments will be explored based on continuing appraisals of the situation in Jordan and higher education landscape.

Transferability
Other institutions and/or other countries could also implement this model. Local scholarships are a cost-effective means of extending higher education to refugees in Jordan. Local universities, such as Zarqa University, are supportive of refugee students, offering both tuition discounts and recognizing their unique and sensitive situation as refugee students. The Fund estimates approximately a $16,000 cost per scholarship (four year course of study, all university cost covers along with stipend). The local scholarships allow refugee students to remain in their host community, avoiding issues of protection, visas, and language barriers, where they continue to give back to their community through their service and leadership roles.

Targeting scholarships to a wider range of refugee youth leaders and prioritizing not only academic achievement, but also community service and leadership is a core aspect of the Fund’s approach that can also be implemented by other institutions. The Fund’s goal is to provide scholarships to youth leaders, to support their continued impact on their host community and future contribution to rebuild Syria.

To that end, the application process is entirely in Arabic, has no upper age limit, does not have a minimum highschool score, and emphasizes community service and leadership experience. This process was designed in recognition that many youth leaders may lack English skills, may be older than traditional students due to the effect of war on their studies, and not have their aptitude well reflected by their high school exam (especially as many students of interrupted college education took their high school exam over six years ago, before 2011). The application gives weight to continuation of informal education opportunities (ex: NGO courses within the camp) as well as community service and leadership in order to identify youth leaders who have demonstrated commitment to higher education and service. Other institutions could also expand their scholarship criteria to reach a wider range of youth leaders who are already having an impact in their current community and whose education will be applied towards better serving their community today and in the future.

Fundraising through partnerships with student and university communities as well as other community groups. The Fund modelled its financing off of a student to student model in order to serve the dual purpose of fundraising scholarships as well as engaging US communities in understanding and emphasizing with Syrian refugees. The cost of a local scholarship (~$16,000) is a manageable amount for students and community groups to sponsor or
co-sponsor.

Students are also eager and willing to support their fellow students; the Fund supports these students with mentoring and also connects them with their Syrian student peers through virtual cultural exchange. Other institutions/countries could similarly use this model to support local scholarships and build mutual understanding. There are already groups using variations of this model for international scholarships (ex: WUSC for scholarships to Canada, Books not Bombs for scholarships to the US). A more cost-effective approach would be to use this model for local scholarships, with cultural exchange built into the program through a virtual exchange.

Innovative character
Some innovative characteristics of the Fund include its targeting of refugee youth engaged in community service and leadership as well as its engagement of US students and community groups in funding the scholarships, raising awareness in their home communities, and connecting with their Syrian peers through virtual cultural exchange activities. (see above for more details)

La Sapienza (Italy)

Country: Italy
Institutions: La Sapienza
Name of the Experience: Multidisciplinary Course on Refugees and Migrants

Description

The Multidisciplinary Course on Refugees and Migrants, offered by Sapienza University of Rome, provides specialists and professionals working on the protection of refugee and migrant rights with a deeper education and knowledge on the international and national system of protection, the right to asylum and all related activities.

The six-month course is the continuation of the Multidisciplinary University Course on the Right to Asylum and Refugees launched in 1992 and is currently in its 26th edition. The Course is an essential part of the II level University Master in International Protection of Human rights «Maria Rita Saulle», but also open to all interested specialists and professionals holding at least a high school diploma.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

Because of its geographical position, Italy has always represented a connection point, a focal transit route for different cultures and people. Indeed, the country has always been involved in significant migration flows, and research work and adoption of updated strategies and tools to deal effectively with this issue is ongoing.

The Multidisciplinary Course on Refugees and Migrants fulfils the need of the Italian society for trained, updated professionals, who can identify and foster the adoption of more and more effective policies, from the very bottom of the migration scenario, especially now that the Mediterranean region is facing a massive humanitarian crisis.

Partnership: The Multidisciplinary Course on Refugees and Migrants is the continuation of the Multidisciplinary University Course on the Right to Asylum and Refugees launched in 1992 with the collaboration of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Italian Council for Refugees (CIR), Caritas Rome (NGO) and the Association for the study of the world refugee problem (AWR)

Sustainability

The research work and the collaboration with entities working in the migration field, in  addition to the lectures provided during the course, represent the strength of the Multidisciplinary Course on Refugees and Migrants. Indeed, the quality of the updated information makes the course a reliable source for on-going vocational training on migration flows and international protection themes.

TU Berlin (Germany)

Country: Germany
Istitutions: TU Berlin
Name of the Experience: In(2)TU Berlin

Description
Several facilities of TU Berlin are working together to enhance the academic and social situation of Syrian refugees at campus.

Main initiatives are:

1. Studienkolleg: Teaching German language exclusively for Syrian refugees to make them ready to attend lectures. Language stage C1 is needed for matriculation at TU Berlin.

2. In(2) TU Berlin: Refugees can attend classes without proper matriculation as guest students. When they pass the exam the received credit points are valid after matriculation.

3. Student counseling: General counseling of students who want to study at TUBerlin has additionally counseling Syrian students. This includes selection of suitable study programs, legal and administrative organization and career counseling. also the link between all other initiatives for refugees at TU Berlin. It as well connects to:

4. Psychological counseling: Several types of phobias are present among students, most often related to examination. Traumatized refugee students are advised in this unit and get recommendations for further treatment.

5. In(2) Tu Berlin Kultur Café: cultural exchange in a small café with thematic evenings. The students get into personal contact via music and other cultural activities.

The connection takes place between Syrian, other international and German students as well.

The management and connection of these offers makes the initiative successful and a key feature of universities effort to lower the obstacles of refugees to enter the higher education system.

More information at:

• TU Berlin
• In(2)TU Berlin

Impact

The initiative is running until October 2015. Until now, 2,600 refugees attended a personal information session. 1,400 obtained special consultation sessions. In relation to 10,000 information and 4,000 personal counseling sessions performed for all students this outcome seems to have a high impact and acceptance among the refugee students. Counselling is mainly done by one member of the student counselling office, a psychologist and several teachers for German language at Studienkolleg. A strong benefit of the initiatives in German language which is a substantial obstacle to enter university as the conditions are C1 level which is very ambitious to get in a short period of time. Legal aspects when entering a foreign administrative system is almost impossible to handle without help. This includes the whole options of German study programs but additionally of the German labour market

 Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

Especially in Berlin the number of Syrian refugees is very high and the number of refugees who want to start or continue their academic education as well. Therefore, support is given by the government, DAAD funding especially for language courses and the local municipality.

Sustainability

First counselling sessions for In(2)TU Berlin program do not show a trend over time concerning the number of participants. For personal consultation the numbers are decreasing. This may be a result of the situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey where refugees with an academic background are not allowed to go to Europe, especially Germany. Overall attendance numbers proof the need for the initiative. A general observation is that the number of refugees who take advantage of psychological help increases. The initiative is deeply implemented in the administrative procedures of students counselling and therefore is designed to be long-lasting and sustainable.

Transferability

Beside specialties of national language, legal and administration issues the main advantage is the connection between these facilities and the capability to create strong network inside and outside university in a holistic way. This is exportable to any other situation concerning counseling of refugee students

Innovative character

Connection of facilities and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the situation of refugees at university is not a new strategy but usually processes lack strong connections and synergy which increase high efficiency in a small amount of time. Taking the long-lasting structures like student counseling to face new problems makes processes more stable.

University of Barcelona (Spain)

Country: Spain
Institutions: University of Barcelona
Name of the initiative: Transition to graduate studies and training in human rights

Description

The Transition to graduate studies and training in human rights is one of the action lines of the University of Barcelona Refugee Support Program. The Transition course is a pilot project and it started the first edition in October 2016. During the course 2017-2018 will start the second edition.

The transition course provides with a full scholarship (accommodation, free tuition, psychological and legal assistance, social integration measure, etc). During the first edition a total amount of 15 students, coming mainly from Syria, have joint the scholarship.

The transitional course is a preparatory course divided in three modules: Spanish and Catalanlearning language; preparation to the selectivity and human rights module. The course is cofunded by the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona City Council. During the first edition the implementation of different measures (legal assistance, medical assistance, language couples, etc) have allowed to create an internal network (among the different Faculties and departments of the University of Barcelona) and an external network (with the city council and other NGOs that are working into topics related to refugee population, integration, etc)

Impact

The transitional course has reach 15 students: 13 Syrian students, 1 Afghan student and 1 Palestinian student. 14 of them will enrol during the academic year 2017-2018 in different university studies and educational cycles.

At the internal level the institutional commitment has been a vital factor for the success ofthe initiative. We have to point out that the City Council commitment with the initiative is also an important point.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

The initiative is pioneering in Spain and it has allowed the University to develop its social responsibility chapter. The initiative has also interested different universities that want to replicate the same model.

 Sustainability

Economically, the initiative counts with a budget and it is cofunded by the Barcelona City Council and the University of Barcelona. In terms of viability, there is a political commitment to continue with the initiative.

Transferability

The initiative can be transferable to different actors.

Tested

It hasn’t been tested. There will be a first evaluation of the initiative in October – November 2017.

Innovative character

The innovative character is double:

• The introduction of a global and integral approach. This global and integral approach (orientation, physical and mental health, legal assistance, language learning, human rights, etc) is possible thanks to the links with different Faculties and departments and their collaboration.

• The human rights approach. The course is addressed to consider students as current and future peacebuilders. The course will give the students the abilities and knowledge needed to handle conflicts.

Barcelona City Council (Spain)

Country: Spain
Institutions: Barcelona City Council
Name of the Experience: Barcelona Ciutat Refugi / Barcelona, Refuge City

Description

The City Council has been offering support to migrants and asylum seekers since 1999, through the Care Service for Immigrants, Emigrants and Refugees (SAIER). It collaborates, through subsidies, with city NGOs working in asylum and in international development cooperation and education, which have been squeezed hard in recent years by Spanish and Catalan government cuts. It has also had the Barcelona International Peace Resource Centre (CRIPB) since 2009, which promotes peace cultures through dialogue, awareness raising and training in crisis management and conflict resolution.

The “Barcelona, Refuge City” plan was launched in September 2015 in response to the crisis and gear the city up to receiving and assisting refugees, providing the necessary services and guaranteeing their rights, and to calling on states to respect the most elementary standards of humanitarian law.

Our goal is an ambitious one: to equip Barcelona with its own, permanent, comprehensive reception model

The “Barcelona, Refuge City” plan operates on four main lines that involve various City Council departments and services:

Reception strategy: defines Barcelona’s reception model and strategy and the implementation stages. The aim is to minimise its impact and implement it in the most effective way possible, taking into account refugees’ needs and rights but also those of the city’s population.

Care for refugees already in Barcelona: this means bolstering the Care Service for Immigrants, Emigrants and Refugees (SAIER) and designing a care programme that offers protection and assistance to asylum seekers already in Barcelona who are receiving no help from the state programme.

Citizen participation and information: the plan includes a civic space for coordinating the efforts of the City Council and NGOs in all the voluntary work, awareness-raising and development education tasks. Transparent information tools have also been set in motion, such as this website and a newsletter that will be sent regularly to anyone who is interested in receiving it.

Action abroad: the City Council is pushing for coordination and mutual support between European cities, both on a city-to-city basis as well as in the international networks they belong too. It has also increased the subsidies for NGOs working on the ground, at source and en route.

More information in: Barcelona, Refuge City

Impact

The refugees living in Barcelona arrived here on their own account, individually or with their families, by various routes, through Greece and Turkey, the north of Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla or by plane with a tourist visa. SAIER attended to nearly 1,400 people in 2015, 60% more than in the previous year and four times the number for 2012.

The Municipal Reception Programme was launched in 2015 to protect and provide shelter for these people via an agreement with two of the three social entities delegated by the central government to handle the reception process, ACCEM and CEAR. The initiative is now being extended to include other refuge entities working in Catalonia, with agreements being drawn up with the Fundació Benallar, Iniciatives Solidàries, Fundació Ficat and the Associació catalana per a la integració d’homosexuals, bisexuals i transexuals immigrants (Acathi). Psychological support for all users will be provided by the Fundació Exil.

The programme creates a permanent, stable structure for the care and social support of these people and 82 accommodation places in Barcelona, which will provide a service for at least 164 people a year. The cost of the programme, borne by City Council, is 800,000 euros a year, which works out at 30 euros per person per day.

The City Council also gives support other initiatives in Barcelona. The City Council and city associations have educational resources, as well as development education and awareness-raising tools, designed for civil society in general.

The “Barcelona, Refuge City” plan’s civic space is channelling the offers for volunteering that it has been receiving through the Catalan Federation of Social Volunteering (FCVS). The aim is to have a database of everyone who wishes to help and can respond to offers when necessary.

• Information and awareness-raising activities
• Environment-discovery, leisure and cultural activities
• Reception and free-time activities for children
• Knowledge of the language (language couples)
• Communication: help in promoting solidarity initiatives and campaigns, social networks and so on

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

Asylum policy is the State’s responsibility, so the time scale and the number of people coming to Barcelona will depend on the Spanish government and its European commitments. But the central government’s paralysis and lack of information and coordination with regional and local authorities are not only preventing us from gearing up for the arrival of refugees but also creating expectations that are not being met, similar to the situation that arose in the autumn of 2015, when Spain was preparing to receive a high number of refugees relocated from Italy and Greece who did not arrive.

in this context of uncertainty that the “Barcelona, Refuge City” is anticipating events and preparing the city to respond effectively to any scenario: a standard number of people arriving under the European quotas, a massive number of people arriving under unforeseen circumstances or a constant flow of individuals and families arriving out of the blue.

The preparations have been carried out by the city’s urban resilience committees, comprising representatives of many municipal departments and services.

Sustainability

In terms of political sustainability, Refuge City is part of the Barcelona City Council Govern measures. And it is depending to the Fourth Deputy Mayor’s Office and the Social Rights Manager’s Office.

In terms of economic sustainability “Barcelona, Refuge City” has its own budget coming from the public taxes. The City Council will work to accede to European grants in order to complement the budget item.

In terms of social sustainability, the plan action and the initiatives supported have the commitment of the civil society represented at the Espai Social.

Transferability

The action is transferable, in fact, it has been replicated by other Catalan and Spanish municipalities

Innovation

The initiative is innovative because the political commitment and the wide scope of actions/activities involved and coordinated by the City Council. All the activities served to the main principles identified in the action plan and give answers to refugee and to the civil society, creating spaces for the collaboration, exchange, learning and proposition.

La Sapienza (Italy)

Country: Italy
Institutions: La Sapienza
Name of the Experience: II level University Master in International Protection of Human Rights

Description

The II level University Master in International Protection of Human Rights, sponsored by the UN Regional Centre of Information, is held by the Political Sciences Department of Sapienza University of Rome and aims at training and supporting future professionals in the field of human rights.

The Master provides both theoretical and practical tools on human rights issues thanks to a two-cycle structure:

• the first cycle is dedicated to the international and regional systems of protection of human rights, rules, procedure and implementation of international agreements, case-law of international courts, humanitarian law, human rights and sustainable development, women and children’s rights;
• the second cycle include a three-month internship in NGOs, Public Administrations, International Organizations and Research centres. Internships vary from year to year (in past editions of the Master, students could choose UNHCR, IOM, CIR, Caritas, MSF, Intersos, and others).

The full-time annual Master, which was launched for the first time in academic year 2015- 2016, is currently in its third edition.

Impact

On one hand, the Master has a direct impact on all Master students, who receive highly valuable and recognized academic training and have the possibility of gaining work experience in major international and national bodies. Hence, they can aim at competitive positions in the labour market addressing human rights.

On the other hand, the Master has among its indirect beneficiaries, all the organizations and institutions working on human rights issues, which, through the collaboration with the Master Managers, enjoy direct access to highly specialized resources for their teams to guarantee the a high quality approach in their field of action.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

The Master reflects the growing attention of society and governments to issues related to human rights. Therefore, the Master aims to match the growing need of international, national and local bodies for relevant human resources, trained both theoretically and practically on human rights issues.

Partnership: The Disarmament Archive (Institute for International Research), Amnesty International Italy, Intersos (NGO), the Italian Council for Refugees (CIR), the Forensic Union for the Protection of Human rights and Caritas Rome (NGO) collaborate with the Master at different levels (i.e., providing lectures and documents on specific human rights-related subjects or offering internship positions).

Sustainability

The possibility for international and national bodies dealing with human rights to directly participate in the academic preparation and practical training of students makes the Master a highly specialized personnel incubator.

Ministry of Interior. Government of Italy (Italy)

Country: Italy
Institutions: Government of Italy
Name of the Experience: 100 scholarships for students covered by international protection

Description

According to the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), in cooperation with ANDISU (National Association of Organizations for Right to Study), the Italian Ministry of Interior offers 100 scholarships for A.Y. 2017/18 to students with international protection (refugee status or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection) holding an education title suitable for access to chosen Bachelors, Masters or PhD programmes.

The scholarships are awarded by the university, possibly in cooperation with the Regional Authorities for the Right to Study, and entitle students to exemption from taxes and university tuition, accommodation services (room and board), access to university facilities (centres, libraries). Other additional services may be offered by third parties.

The calls for application (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) address students with refugee or subsidiary protection status.

Impact

The real impact needs a longer time to be assessed; however, the envisaged impact is that young migrants will concretely contribute to the progress of civil society. The huge number of migrants will be a resource for the hosting country, rather than a burden.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

Considering the increase in immigration flows towards Italy and the humanitarian emergency in the Mediterranean region, it is important to implement new policies aimed at fostering the integration of migrants in Italian society; especially those addressing vulnerable groups such as young refugee students. This approach guarantees dignity to the person and is not based on mere charity.

Partnership and Financing: scholarships are granted by the Italian Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) and the National Association of Organizations for Right to study (ANDISU).

The scholarships cover tuition and access to university facilities (centres, libraries). Accommodation services (room and board), if not provided by the university, are funded by the Italian Ministry of Interior. Other additional services may be offered by third parties.

Winners of the previous call (A.Y. 2016/2017) are entitled to obtain a new scholarship for the following academic year upon completing at least 20 ECTS as of 10/08/2017 or 15 ECTS by 16/07/2017.

Sustainability

There is evidence to suggest that this initiative is highly sustainable, as based on education and cultural integration. The scholarship beneficiaries get direct access to the Italian education system. They will obtain a degree allowing them to access further studies, in Italy, in the EU, and in the rest of the world, taking advantage of the Diploma Supplement. All these aspects drive better integration in the job market and in daily life.

Transferability

This is a very easily transferable model, and can address students at all levels, including the PhD level.

Innovative character

This initiative is innovative for the specific beneficiary category. The Italian system already funds scholarships for foreign students, but only since 2016 that there is an additional call for students with refugee or subsidiary protection status. Indeed, the idea behind this initiative is that the political recognition of education can be used as an essential multiplier tool for educating and integrating young migrants, thus fostering the growth and progress of society. In this way, the refugee or the holder of subsidiary protection becomes a resource for the hosting countries.

The Conference of Italian University Rectors has informed all Italian universities of the ongoing initiative; all relevant administrative and academic staff have been involved in the pre-acceptance procedure as well as in the enrolment phases.

Hashemite University (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Instituitions: Hashemite University
Name of the Experience: Establishment of an educational Program for the Syrian students

Description

The objective of the “Establishment of an Educational Program for the Syrian Refugees” is to provide the Syrian refugees with the necessary soft skills and technical skills to cope with the difficult conditions they are facing. The program can be asset to them when they return to their country. The program is composed of 12 courses, 3 contact hours per week for 16 weeks for each course.

More information at Hashemite University

Impact

110 Syrian students are enrolled at various fields at Hashemite University a number of them have scholarships from international organizations and agencies such as the UNDP, programs. The Hashemite University in cooperation with the British Council organized for the courses in English to help them in their education process.

Funding Structure

Here you have different types of financial aid that the university can receive to develop the activities/programs:

• Public Fundraising
• Private Fundraising
• Institution/organization internal budget
• Co-funding by EU/national or local government, etc.

The refugees are receiving the financial directly through a number of international agencies. The University facilitates this work but do not get the aid directly.

Still the University did not get any financial aid for the project

Collaborative

A number of the national NGO’s and United Nations Agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hashemite University to help the Syrian refugees in a way or another

Sustainability

The estimated per refugee is 2160 J.D.

Transferability

Each institution depending on its capability can decide to what level the project is transferable

Practice Tested

The project is based on a long experience in educations and training courses and in organizing conducting and supervising long and large projects.

Innovation

The project is innovative in trying to provide the refugees with soft and technical skills which is usually not provided by formal educational ways.

Other

The project was submitted to a number of funding agencies and NGO’s and still waiting for their response.

Higher Education English Access Programme (HEEAP) (Turkey)

Country: Turkey
Institutions: Instabul Aydin University, Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation
Name of Experience: Higher Education English Access Programme

Description

HOPES (Higher and Further Education Opportunities and Perspectives for Syrians) is a €12 million project, funded by the European Union’s Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis, ‘the Madad Fund’ and implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) together with the British Council, Campus France and Nuffic. The life span of the project will be from April 2016 until November 2019.

Under Higher Education English Access Programme, HOPES offers university-aged refugees from Syria in Turkey, one hundred hours of English training and English certification through partnership with Karabük University and Istanbul University. HOPES is also in partnership with Gaziantep and Adana Universities, and the trainings are being planned with those universities as well.

Courses are offered to students from Syria who are enrolled in academic programs in English within Turkish universities. Students benefit from university-based English and study skills courses. The courses consist of 100 hour-face to face classes with a British Council trained local teacher, blended with a 40-hour online British Council course.

More information at:
• HOPES
• HEEAP (Higher Education English Access Program)

Impact

Students are required to take Online Placement Test to identify their levels before startingthe courses. Then they take APTIS exam to assess their level and achievement at the end of the courses. 79 Syrian students from Istanbul University and 46 Syrian students from Karabük University have attended English courses so far, 70-75% have successfully completed the program and received certificates.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

English training is necessary for Syrian Students in Turkey since numerous university departments teach exclusively in English. A lack of English is the major barrier to refugee students to access and continue education in Turkey.

English skills will also help learners apply for and receive scholarships and access other educational opportunities in Turkey and improve their opportunities for employment where these are available.

Sustainability

HOPES project has a life span of 42 months, with a possibility of extension with a follow-up project, with similar goals and partners. In an institutional sense, the activities conducted within the scope of HOPES all aim at providing a capacity building tool for the stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the expected outcomes. For HEEAP, a teachers training is provided by British Council, to provide the university the necessary teaching skills and methods to ensure that the academic staff is fully capable of conducting similar trainings after the end of the project. Also through call for proposals, universities, local public administrations and local NGOs are funded for trainings and equipment to improve the capacity of the institutions to better cope with the needs of Syrian refugees as well as host communities, in higher and further education.

Transferability

HOPES is already implementing HEEAP in RESCUE Project beneficiary countries, in tailoring the courses to the context of each country.

Innovative character

For HEEAP, British Council is using teacher’s trainings for a 100 hour face-to-face English training, as well as an online teaching module that is providing a flexible learning and teaching environment for both the instructors and students. The online tool is considered as a tool to further the classical class-room teaching outcomes, giving the students a chance to practice without any logistic limitations.

Istanbul Aydın University (Turkey)

Country: Turkey
Institutions: Instabul Aydin University, Internation Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation
Name of the Experience: Turkish Language Courses for Syrian Youth and Children Project

Description

Turkish Language Courses for Syrian Youth and Children Project was launched by International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation, supported by Theirworld.

This pilot Project aims to eliminate language barrier as the biggest obstacle against school enrollment of refugees and creates various integration opportunities through communication. 600 young Syrian refugees between 15- 19 years old and 600 Syrian children between 5-6 years old are registered in the course schedule.

Academic part of the Project is being conducted by İstanbul Aydın University Turkish Language Teaching Center’s (TÖMER) experienced instructors and classrooms in Florya Campus and Bakırköy Continuous Education Center are being used during implementation.

Youth group will have the opportunity to start from A1 level and graduate from B2 level and the ones who can pass the exam will be granted TÖMER certificate.

At the end of this project, children are expected to better communicate with their peers and have a smooth transition to state school system through game based teaching techniques. In addition to this, young beneficiaries are expected to have better academic level at school and higher rates in university enrollment.

More information at:

• Istanbul Aydın University
• International Blue Crescent (https://ibc.org.tr/)

Impact

Test results to measure the impact have not been produced yet. However, a considerable impact on the ease of language barrier in education for the beneficiaries and increase in their communication skills is expected. The number of the beneficiaries of the project is also considerably high.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

Considering the duration of Syrian refugees’ presence in Turkey and the decision that temporary training centers will be closed and the children will be directed to the schools of the Ministry of National Education, language is the biggest obstacle for Syrian youth to continue their academic life in Turkey.

We have a group of young people who cannot attend to the schools of the Ministry of National Education, or cannot succeed even if they attend, and has to leave it, because they cannot speak Turkish.

The project was focused on the two critical stages of education. First, it aims to improve the Turkish language capacity of 5-6 year-old children who will start school and prevent their alienation.

Secondly, for the 15-19-year-old group, project aims to increase the chance of continuing higher education or minimize the risk of being excluded from labor market due to language barrier.

IAU TÖMER is the project’s local partner and conduct the academic program. Theirworld is the international partner which support the program financially.

Sustainability

The project’s sustainability depends on the additional financial sources. However, upon this good practice example and experience, IAU TÖMER could develop and implement a general strategy for language training to Syrians.

Transferability

The project is transferable to other institutions and countries. However, considering the special situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey and the language structure of Arabic, the academic content and the training of trainers would necessitate some revisions.

Innovative
In Turkey, there is no other project/program implemented by an NGO which could grant a TÖMER certificate to the beneficiaries

Sulaimani Polytechnic University (Iraq)

Country: Iraq
Institutions: Sulaimani Polytechnic University
Name of the Experience: No lost Syrian Generations: Supporting Syrian refugee students to learn and train at the Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Description

Since the start of Syrian crisis, the city of Sulaimani in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has been welcoming Syrian refugees both in camp and host communities, reaching about 29,229 refugees in October 2016 according to a statistic from UNHCR. The same statistic shows that a high majority of these refugees age between 18-59. Among them, many university level students are on the verge of being a lost generation and are desperately waiting for opportunities to study at the local universities.

Understanding the concerns and the critical needs of the young Syrian students and their families to build secure and build their future through post-high school formal education and training, the Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) has been actively and keenly looking for opportunities to support Syrian refugee students with their post-high school education goals and aspirations.

SPU has successfully secured fund from Education to Refugees in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund (DAFI) Scholarship Program in partnership with UNHCR, DAAD, British Council, and KRI’s Ministry of Higher Education to welcome eight Syrian students to complete their Diploma and Bachelor’s studies at SPU as the following:

• Four students in Administration Department, Technical College of Administration
• Two students in Production and Metals Department, Technical College of Engineering
• One student in Pharmacology Department, Sulaimani Technical Institute
• One student in Database systems Department, Computer Institute

Among the local universities, SPU offers the advantage of teaching and training in a wide range of specialties in college (Bachelor’s level), institute (Diploma level), and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) for short and longer term studies and across different geographic locations in Sulaimani province, some very close to IDP and refugees camps.

As a polytechnic university, SPU’s teaching pedagogy, training approach, and motto emphasize “learn to apply”. SPU students graduate with latest knowledge and life skills that can help them build a successful career in academia and public and private sectors.

In line with its social responsibility goals and strong connection to its community’s needs (including those of the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan Region and Iraq), SPU is seeking financial support from RESCUE and Erasmus+ programs to extend its supports to the eager Syrian students awaiting to resume/start their post-high school studying at their host community.

More information at Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Impact

Due to the limited scholarship seats from DAFI and lack of other funds, currently only eight students are enrolled at the Sulaimani Polytechnic University in the fields explained above.

In addition to all the regular services offered by the university to all the registered students (including the Syrian students), the followings are some of the extra services secured/offered to the Syrian students:

• Securing accommodation units within the University’s limited number of students housing (5 of the students are from outside the city). The accommodation annual fee of 100,000 IQD (about 80$) and pocket money for personal expenses are paid by UNHCR.
• Offering special student registration services with dedicated staff to facilitate a smooth and easy registration and transition to SPU system.
•  Removing logistical and bureaucratical barriers that may hinder or delay the students’ registration at a local university and settling processes by taking a few measures:
  • Accepting non-original transcript copies for registration purposes (after obtaining a written pledge from the students about the authenticity of the content) until UNHCR arranges and send the accepted students’ original transcripts to SPU (after certifying them at the Ministry of Education of Kurdistan Region).
  • Waiving accommodation guarantee requirements and accepting UNHCR pro42 Refugees Education Support in Mena CoUntriEs vided ID as guarantee.
  • We apply the same local fee rates (which varies from a program to another) as the local students who enter SPU in the so called parallel education system, as per KRI’s Ministry of Higher Education regulations.
  • The students’ very positive experience testifies to SPU’s interest and abilities to offer best practices in teaching and training Syrian refugee students, as a tested by an end year evaluation session carried out by Darya Organization for Developing Women and Community in partnership with UNHCR

SPU has received DAFI scholarship funding in partnership between UNHCR, DAAD, British Council, and KR’s Ministry of Higher Education in support of the initiation.

The financial aid is used to cover the tuition fee of the programs. SPU’s support and aids come in non-cash contributions to the program.

As indicated above, the program terms and agreements are done in collaboration with the funding bodies, UNHCR and KRI’s Ministry of Higher Education. The tuition and student housing fees are paid by DAFI and UNHCR.

Specific program design and implementation (including student services and educational activities) are done by SPU.

Define the institutional collaboration agent: Municipalities, Governorates, Education ministries, NGOs, co-funded projects, DAFI and UNHCR are co-funding the project.

Sustainability

This and similar projects have been part of SPU’s current and future strategies for the extending its supports, services, and outreach to the local community (including the refugees and IDPs). The initiation also complies with our social responsibility, diversity, and internationalization goals and commitments. We believe that the refugees and IDPs are an integral part of the local community and we will continue to serve and expand our timely support to them to achieve their long-term career and life goals. We continue to work on helping and involving the refugees, IDPs, and other disadvantaged learners in our community.

There is a variation in individual program’s tuition fees, but in general the fees range between 1,200 to 2,400$. This is the same fee amount applied to local students admitted to the highly competitive and limited seats of parallel system. The current funding will cover all the eight students’ tuition fees for the duration of the entire duration of their studying. As we hope and plan to expand our support, we will continue to actively look for and so licit for additional funding from the local and international aiding organizations and local government. We will also explore options to self-fund some of our initiations based on our university’s budget and income.

Transferability

The SPU initiative has great potentials to be transferred and replicated by other educational institutions in the region and other countries. We will be happy to share our experience and expand our program’s practice and scope by collaborating with other members from the Association of Arab Universities and outside.

The SPU initiative is inclusive and responsive to different groups’ needs. So also beneficial to other groups of disadvantaged learners, including IDPs (Internally Displaced People).

Tested

This was the first initiative from SPU, but we are in contact with related local and international organizations to expand and enhance our initiation based on feedback and needs. That is how we got involved with Darya Organization for Developing Women and Community in their end year evaluation to the initiation.

Innovative character

Education approach at SPU is innovative and is informed by its community’s needs, stateof- art applied knowledge, and the experience of the existing approaches. In laying its strategy, SPU consult ad involve its local community as well as academic and industry partners inside and outside the region (including growing international partners). In admitting the Syrian students to our programs, we responded to the demands for specialties that with good career prospect in the region.

University of Duhok (Iraq)

Country: Iraq
Institutions: University of Duhok
Name of Experience:

Description of the initiative
The University of Duhok accepted around (1200) undergraduate students at their different Colleges and departments as guest students (IDPs and Refugees) and eventually sends the credentials to their home universities.

The ongoing services are for English language given by the British Council.

The University of Duhok, College of Nursing has conducted a campaign on “Breast Cancer Awareness” for the IDPs and Refugees women at the camps.

The University of Duhok, College of Dentistry has conducted a campaign on children teeth examination.

The University of Duhok, Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies with the help of the New York University conducted hundreds of lectures and workshops on peace building and consolation among the youth of the (IDPs and Refugees) at the camps.

An International Conference on Peace Building has been hosted at the UoD and sponsored by the US Consulate General in Erbil and the Kurdistan Regional Governorate.

The UoD gave premises to the University of Mosul to use for their students to have classes during a period of one year after ISIS breakthrough. Our Volunteer students frequently go to the camps to help (IDPs and Refugees) through the UoD, NGOs and Governmental bodies.

More information at University of Duhok

Impact

The number of IDPs and refugee enrolled students in Duhok city is around 1200 students, the rest of them could not attend the university. The main reason for that is the limited capacity of the public universities in Duhok, the missing documents and the hard living conditions of students and teachers and also most of them have to work to maintain life for their families.

Therefore, only around 1200 students and only 80 teachers were able to find teaching opportunities to participate in the different departments and colleges of the University of Duhok.

The impact of the initiative was good because those students have the chance to continue their study and did not lose any year of study. In the case of teachers, some of them were able to teach their students and help their families financially. Many of the students get benefitsfrom the summer vocational trainings, workshops and computer and English courses. These activities made them capable to find jobs and increase their income.

Yarmouk University (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Institutions: Yarmouk University
Name of the Experience: Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration Studies Centre

Description

Yarmouk University (YU) is hosting about 400 refugee students, where the majority of them are Syrians.

Therefore Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration Studies Centre supports the studies related to refugees. In addition, it integrates faculty members and other staff in many initiatives to serve refugees.

The center has conducted two international conferences about refugees, the last one was held in May 2017 entitled “refugees in the middle east and human security”. In addition, there was a symposium and a workshop regarding Syrian crisis.

The center has published a book about the Jordanian perception of the spillover of Syrian crisis in Jordan. It has also done an extensive work in order to establish ties and relation with the international donors such as HOPES in order to explore opportunities to fund Syrian refugee’s students and Jordanians at Yarmouk University.

We have created a focus group for Syrian refugee students at Yarmouk University in order discuss their challenges that face them and opportunities they can benefit from.

The center has visited several refugee camps In Jordan such as Al-Zataari refugee camp. Faculty members have participated in that visit which aimed at examining the current educational situation of refugee students at Al-Zataari camp.

Yarmouk University is working with the UNESCO to empower Syrian Refugee students in the higher education system in Jordan. In collaboration with Queen Rania Centre at Yarmouk University, this initiative provides scholarships to 174 students to join diploma programs in many fields.

The center is currently investigating the level of expertise of the refugee students at the post graduate level in order to offer them specific training and activities that directly andindirectly support them

More information at:

• Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center
• Yarmouk University

Impact

The number of refugee students is 400 in all faculties.

Some of them are getting support and scholarships from other organizations that the center has relationships with.

The organized workshops have increased the awareness toward refugees challenges in Jordan.

In addition, they increased the number of donors who show their interests to collaborate with the center in conducting studies about refugee issues in Northern Jordan.

Faculty members in the universities become involved in writing proposals, teaching refugee students, etc.

Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context

20% of the total population in Jordan is Syrian refugees. In Northern Jordan this percent is much higher.

Therefor the center is working closely with refugees and academic staff to coordinate all activities that may serve refugee students. Scholarships are provided by the many institutions, this effort requires some organization by a central unit at Yarmouk University.

Sustainability

The refugee center is sustainable in nature, efforts have been made to solidify the activities to be provided by this unit, maintaining relationships and engaging funded projects into the future. It adds another level of interconnectivity which allows for better communication between refugee students, NGOs and academic staff.

This will also help Jordanians to get involved in trending academic tracks. The activities are shared on social media and other communication media to help the involved students to get scholarships to pursue their graduate level education based on a dissemination strategy.

Transferability

Sharing activities on social media, website, workshops on the services provided by the unit. Administration and academics staff from other universities will be invited to those events.

Innovative character

a) Building-up of capacity to provide psychological e-counseling services to refugee
b) Prove an innovative ways to increase awareness about the issues of refugees in Northern Jordan
c) Developing and implementing new approaches to train faculty members and administrative staff
d) Internships are offered to international students to work with center at the refugee during summer time

Other/additional information

e) The center is creating smart mobile apps to help refugee’s students to discuss their problems with psychosocial experts.
f) The initiatives have considered specific options to support students at the post graduate level.

Zarqa University (Jordan)

Country: Jordan
Institutions: Zarqa University
Name of Experience: English courses (by British Council) and labour market Integration

Description

The university is hosting 1047 refugee student mainly from Syria. These students receive services from student’s affair services common to all students. The university realized that refugee students need:

• financial and psychiatric support
• integration courses into new education system

Therefore, university is working on developing new services:

• academic orientation
• special transportation arrangements for refugee camps
• library and study rooms

Nowadays, Zarqa University is hosting:

• English language courses given by British council in collaboration with local and international organizations university English courses. The British Council offers scholarships. The English language learning is needed in order to facilitate the success into the Jordan Higher Education System where the classes are given mainly in English.

• The University is participating in an employment program addressed to Syrian students within the Edu-Syria Scholarship program. 21 Syrian students have been employed in various departments and Faculties at the university, and also will work on employing students with difficult circumstances during the coming semesters. This initiative is to follow up on the situations of Syrian students’ refugee to improve their income, as a result of current conditions. 50 Refugees Education Support in Mena CoUntriEs.

Other student services provided by the University:

• Orientation
•  Health insurance
• Transportation
•  Study room for refugee students
• Small library for refugee students

The university would like to unify its array of services available to refugees in one center to allow managing and improving services in more efficient way.

More information about the project:

• Zarqa University
• British Council English courses
• Edu-Syria 

Impact

1047 students in all faculties.

The initiative anticipated benefits are shown in the survey about refugee student’s needs, which proved the need for English and basic science courses, and career development courses.

The English courses have more than 85 % of Syrian refugees enrolled.

Zarqa University is collaborating with the following NGOs and institutions in order to support refugee students:

• EDU-Syria 1 and 2: Madad fund (Erasmus+) in collaboration with German Jordan University is supporting refugee students with full scholarships
• DAFI and Alhakeer funds is providing full scholarships
• Recentlly, university signed agreement with HOPES to give scholarships for master students. 4) Emarati Red Crescent Fund.
• Amal Foundation
• Alhakeer
• Awon fund
• Algharra fund

Transferability

Transferability can be encouraged by holding workshops and sharing with other institutions.

Innovative character

The innovative aspect is the interaction with NGOs, this allow brining diverse array of services to students and non-student refugees in the future.

Other/additional information

Future collaboration with NGO’s initiatives will bring services to refugee students.

Some challenges have been identified, for exemple, the continuous collaboration with NGO’s is needed to bring specific services to refugee students, like postgraduate scholarships, career orientation, legal consulting. etc.

There are plans to develop preparation academic courses for discounted refugees to help in integration due to difference between education systems.