Refugee Week 2023: Jusoor Bridges the Educational Gap To Create a Positive Impact on Syrian Refugees
As Refugee Week 2023 approaches, Jusoor stands committed to spotlighting Syrian refugees’ remarkable journeys and achievements. Refugee Week will be from the 19th to the 25th of June this year. This annual event celebrates the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and individuals seeking sanctuary worldwide. Jusoor invites organizations and individuals to join hands in bridging the opportunity gap and positively impacting the lives of refugees worldwide.
The conflict in Syria, which began twelve years ago, stands as one of history’s most enduring humanitarian crises. Despite the passage of time, Syria continues to face the world’s largest refugee crisis, with 12.3 million, over half the population of Syria, forcibly displaced since 2011.
Among the challenges Syrian refugees face, access to education remains a significant concern. Studies reveal that approximately 1.5 million school-aged Syrian refugee children reside in Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon. Regrettably, nearly half of them lack access to formal education, and over 75% drop out before secondary school.
Most recently, threats of losing their homes and being detained or deported have triggered many Syrian families finding refuge in Lebanon to be in chronic fear. This comes as the latest in an escalation of anti-Syrian sentiment and exploitation over the years, reflecting the intensity of hardship for those who have endured political tensions, financial duress, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The pileup of hardships has been felt most intensely by the marginalized, whose living conditions and mental well-being are significantly affected.
Jusoor, an international non-governmental organization (NGO), is dedicated to addressing this educational and career gap by empowering Syrian refugees. Jusoor has supported over 12,000 Syrian children and youth since its foundation in 2011. The organization operates seven schools and educational centers in Lebanon, offering classes from early childhood to High School to Syrian and vulnerable Lebanese children. Jusoor also mobilizes psychosocial support to provide their students and families with comfort, coping strategies, and community solidarity. By providing these essential tools, Jusoor opens doors to countless opportunities to give these children a sense of routine, normalcy, and hope for the future.
As part of RW2023, Jusoor calls on organizations and individuals to show solidarity, celebrate Syrian children, and help expand opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and career development. Whether through donations, volunteering, and mentoring, supporting Syrian-led businesses and social enterprises can expand the network, open doors, and spread awareness of the challenges facing young Syrian people.
Refugee Week is particularly significant this year as it marks its 25th anniversary since being founded in the United Kingdom in 1998. Its vision is to create inclusive and resilient communities where refugees and asylum seekers can safely live and continue to contribute.
MacKenzie Scott, a renowned author and philanthropist, made a transformative seven-figure donation to Jusoor in 2021, marking the most significant contribution in the organization’s ten-year history. This generous gift will profoundly impact Jusoor’s global mission to empower young Syrians through education. It serves as a reminder to celebrate the remarkable achievements of refugees who have triumphed over obstacles and are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
An Inspirational Syrian Refugee Story
Sami Al Ahmad, a Syrian entrepreneur, found inspiration and support through Jusoor’s entrepreneurship competition. Recognizing students’ challenges during their university applications and registration in Egypt, Sami developed “Khutwa,” an initiative that assists Syrian and foreign students in continuing their academic journeys. Winning the competition propelled Sami to deepen his knowledge and expand his network, guided by Jusoor’s entrepreneurship team. With newfound perspectives, Sami embraced growth, scalability, and success as he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.
Conclusion
Jusoor, which means ‘bridges’ in Arabic, remains committed to maximizing the potential of Syrian youth through education. Their goal is to positively impact the lives of one million Syrian youth by 2031. By offering educational and entrepreneurial programs to Syrian children and youth across the Middle East and globally, Jusoor aims to secure one of society’s most fundamental rights: quality educational opportunities that can uplift entire communities.
“We have enormous aspirations for Syria. I am honored to have you on this journey with us. The global support we have received inspires us daily; I’d like to thank you,” Rania Succar expressed. “As we look to the future of Jusoor, I look forward to what we can achieve together as a global community. Our strength lies in the depth of our team and supporters, who directly change Syrian youth’s lives.”
For those who wish to make a difference in the lives of Syrian refugees, RW2023 offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute. Join Jusoor and other organizations in enabling Syrian refugees to create better lives.
Media Contact
Company Name: Jusoor
Contact Person: Mahmoud Tahan
Email: Send Email
Country: Turkey
Website: https://www.jusoor.ngo/
