Improving access to education for vulnerable children

The project « Enhancing access to protective quality basic education for vulnerable children and vocational skills development opportunities for youth » addresses the urgent educational and vocational needs of vulnerable communities in Syria, specifically in the governorates of Rural Damascus, Hama, Idleb, and Dar’a. It aims to enhance access to safe, quality basic education and vocational skills development opportunities for children and youth affected by the conflict. The intervention will rehabilitate 21 schools in these regions, focusing on improving learning environments by repairing school infrastructure, providing gender-segregated WASH facilities, installing solar panels, and supplying essential school furniture. These improvements aim to benefit a total of 9,093 individuals, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities.

The project also focuses on education quality by providing non-formal education programs, such as Accelerated Learning Programs, catch-up classes, and Self-Learning Programs, ensuring that children out of school or at risk of dropping out have access to quality education. Additionally, teachers in the targeted schools will receive specialized training in Education in Emergencies and psychosocial support, equipping them with the skills necessary to provide more inclusive and child-centered education.

For child protection, the project offers psychosocial support sessions to children non-formal education programs. These sessions, integrated with recreational and structured activities, aim to enhance children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral development, improving their overall well-being. Special attention is given to children facing trauma due to the conflict and earthquake, ensuring that they are supported in reintegrating into the educational system.

Furthermore, the project emphasizes vocational skills development for marginalized youth who are unable to continue formal education due to age or child protection issues. A total of 60 youth will benefit from tailored vocational training, business development skills, and life skills training. Participants will also receive business kits and individual follow-up to ensure their transition into the job market, helping to reduce unemployment and prevent negative coping mechanisms like child labor.

This holistic approach integrates education, WASH-in-school, child protection, mental health, and vocational training, fostering social cohesion and resilience among the most vulnerable communities in Syria