“Joining these sessions will give me a chance to go to university”: providing displaced Syrian children hope for a brighter future in Jordan
One of the greatest concerns for children on the move and those who have fled their homes due to conflict is missing out on their education. As part of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, Plan International and Save the Children are supporting Syrian refugees living in Jordan, ensuring that they are receiving the education they deserve and not being left behind.
In Jordan, the AHP project seeks to improve the social, educational, and economic well-being of youth and their families in local communities affected most by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Syria crisis. In preparation for the AHP’s informal education sessions for children who aren’t attending school, new students have been undertaking placement tests to determine which level of class they should join.
The tests are conducted in the students’ homes in the Jordan Valley and provide project facilitators with a clear picture of each student's level of educational understanding and capabilities. This helps ensure students are placed in the appropriate class and are provided with the best quality education suited to their needs.
One of the students who took the placement test is 13-year-old Mohannad, who dreams of one day becoming a pharmacist, but right lives in a camp in the Jordan Valley. He left school four years ago due to his family always being on the move.
“I took the test because I believe these sessions can help me in furthering my education.” Mohannad said, “I want to thrive and expand my knowledge.”
Mohannad was tested on multiplication, reading, writing, and pronouncing words; areas which he hopes to improve in.
“I think an education is vital. It might actually be everything to me right now. I want to do right by my family. We have a big family and I want to become educated so I can provide for them,” he explained.
Mohannad dreams of attending university to become a pharmacist. He understands there is nothing more important than an education, especially in the current world climate. “Things everywhere are so tough right now; the pandemic really damaged opportunities for many. “Joining these sessions will give me a chance to go to university,” he said. “By becoming a pharmacist, I will feel accomplished, and I will do right by my family. I will be able to support them. That will make me happy.”
ABOVE: Mohannad enthusiastically takes the test that will help determine his educational understanding and capabilities, so that he can recommence his learning in informal educational settings supported by Plan International and Save the Children.
IMAGE: Plan International