Looking back at 2019

23/12/2019

As 2019 draws to a close, we have been reflecting on the past 12 months and wanted to share our top five milestones from the year.

1. Going Digital

In Bangladesh, to bring learning alive, tackle the language barrier and introduce children to experiences beyond the camps we have introduced a new digital programme. Using android phones and battery powered projectors in all the classrooms, learning materials are dubbed and creative lessons introduced.

This technology has also enabled children to produce their own video news reports to upload to an online platform and share back and forth across the camp and communities, creating a great deal of excitement.

2. The Youngest refugees

This year in Uganda, we launched a new programme in Kyaka II refugee settlement, replicating our Early Childhood Development model from Loco and Wandago. We are supporting refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 30 communities to provide quality learning spaces for an estimated 4,000 children who have fled violence and trauma.

3. Inspiring young leaders

Through ten Children’s Parliaments in India and three Child Rights Clubs in Uganda , children have been learning about their rights and bringing change to their communities. From village clean-ups to immunisation campaigns, from preventing trafficking and child marriage to leading workshops for hundreds of children , these young leaders are learning to raise their voices and make a difference.

4. New school in Lebanon

When Storm Norma hit Lebanon in January, over 15 refugee camps were destroyed and 66 seriously damaged. Following an appeal, we were able to provide warm clothing and blankets to families whose tents had been flooded.

In May, 200 Syrian refugee children moved to a brand new school, traveling with their teachers from the camps on specially commissioned buses. The new school has three floors, plenty of outdoor playing space and gives the chance for children to learn together in a proper school environment, preparing them for a return to mainstream education. The school has now grown and has nearly 300 students attending.

5. Something from nothing

In Kachin State - Myanmar, our 14 nurseries for displaced children are supported by local parents. This year, in addition to maintaining the buildings, parents have learned to create fantastic indoor and outdoor play materials from local, sustainable resources. This has included making ladders, bridges, swings and sand pits of bamboo and wood for the playgrounds.

In Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda, Congolese refugee teachers have also been trained to employ local materials, creating a huge variety of colourful early years resources to help the children with their learning and development.