A-Z of Educational learning spaces
Zaatari refugee camp
Corruption and brutal conflict began in Syria in 2011, with more than 2.5 million people having to flee in search of peace, safety and a normal life. Whilst a large population have fled to Turkey, Egypt and Iraq, the Zaatari Refugee Camp, an 8 square kilometre block of land has become a semi permanent home for tens and thousands of people. More than 50% of this number being children under the age of 18.
Organisation in Zaatari
10km east of Mafraq, the Zaatari Refugee Camp opened on the 25th July 2012. Quickly it was seen as the 4th 'largest city' in Jordan. With its population set to grow due to the increasing conflict spreads in neighbouring countries.
This once averaged sized camp has grown nearly 10 times the sizes, changed from rows of houses to form communities. The refugee organisations have attempted to have the camp organised, hence clear districts were formed with representatives influenced by past leaders to step up as positive role models. This regrouping would provide and foster a sense of community.
The camp is made up of 30,00 shelters, 3 hospitals, 3,000 markets and 5 schools.
Novemeber, 2012
July, 2013
Education in Zaatari
“Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name. It is the most effective form of defense spending there is.” – Kofi Annan
The provision of education within refugee camps is not only an ongoing project that will help the future and well being, but also provide a sense of normalcy. Data collected by the Ministry of Education saw that 56% of Syrian Refugees were not enrolled in formal education. There are various reasons for this. A major one being overcrowding, causing some students to not even be enrolled in a school. Not all Jordanian teachers have been trained either to work with war affected students, and following this there is a lack of teacher numbers.
Taking a single-sex approach to learning, girls attend the morning sessions and boys attend the afternoon. Surrounding countries have been generous and extended their enrollments offering spots and opportunities.
Here are the accounts of two Syrian children who are dealing with the war crisis. Both of these videos put into perspective what it is like and how they don't see anything as a barrier