THE EDGE IN LEBANON
Syrian children in the informal refugee settlements of Bekaa Valley struggle to access education and support.
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Nine years into the Syrian crisis, neighbouring Lebanon remains the country with the largest number of refugees per capita. The Lebanese government estimates that they host 1.5 million Syrian refugees, with around a third located in the Bekaa Valley, often living in small makeshift or unofficial camps.
Despite these numbers, the last few years have seen a decrease in funding for refugees and a controversial policy by the country’s General Security to push refugees to return to Syria. An estimated 180,000 Syrian children are having to work to support their families rather than attend school and fewer than half of the 631,000 school-age refugee children in Lebanon have access to quality formal education. Those who can access the mainstream system are often subject to discrimination, abuse, language barriers and unsafe journeys to and from school. All of these factors, faced by refugee children who are also coming to terms with their own trauma and distress, are continuing to create barriers to education. Consequently there is a need for provision of informal education for children living within the camps. |
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WHAT WE ARE DOING TO HELP
We support education for nearly 300 children, with a bespoke curriculum and trained refugee teachers.
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Since 2014, Children on the Edge have been working with Lebanese NGO - Triumphant Mercy, providing quality education in a child friendly environment for Syrian refugee children.
Based in four tent schools for the first few years, since January 2019 children have been brought together in one central building in Zahle. Nearly 300 students, together with trained refugee teachers, are bussed in from the camps to learn together in safe, fun classrooms with the added bonus of a large play space outside. The children are following a Syrian and Lebanese, child friendly curriculum in their own dialect. Staff use Montessori techniques to help children re-engage with Arabic, maths, science, history, geography and English. With additional vocational training and trauma care, children are being well prepared for the future, whether this is a return to Syria or a protracted stay in Lebanon. |
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CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
Covid-19 lockdown procedures are having a devastating effect on the Syrian refugee communities we support in Lebanon. Through 30 years of working with some of the most marginalised groups, we know they are always the hardest hit in times such as these.
Together with our local partners we have been pursuing sensible solutions to contain the outbreak and provide essential supply parcels to those most in need. Wherever possible, we are using creative solutions to enable children's learning to continue amidst widespread restrictions, and to ensure they are safe whilst they are cut off from regular protection services.
Together with our local partners we have been pursuing sensible solutions to contain the outbreak and provide essential supply parcels to those most in need. Wherever possible, we are using creative solutions to enable children's learning to continue amidst widespread restrictions, and to ensure they are safe whilst they are cut off from regular protection services.
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PLAYERS OF PEOPLE'S POSTCODE LOTTERY SUPPORT EDUCATION FOR SYRIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN >>
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