BEIRUT, Lebanon – It may be a long time before Syrian refugees, especially children, will be able to live a normal life again. They are once again faced with multitudes of problems caused by the three-year civil war that forced them to flee. Of the many problems they must endure, the education of Syrian children seems to rank high on the list. Lack of supplies and teachers, as well as along with language barriers and overcrowding, has made it hard for the thousands of school age children to learn.
Host countries, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan continue to deal with the overcrowding. For example, Lebanon is faced with the nearly 400,000 Syrian children now sharing the streets with their own 300,000. Of the 400,000 Syrian children now in Lebanon, roughly 30 percent are trying to find an education in the crowded system.
Along with overcrowding, lack of adequate teachers also puts a toll on the system. According to a report by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR,) teachers are spread thin. Many teachers have a hard time dealing with the psychological effects of refugees. Unfortunately, this is resulting in verbal abuse and sometimes even corporal punishment toward the refugee Syrian children.
Not all teachers are coping in this way. Many are handling the situation as best they can. Unfortunately, the children of the Syrian war have seen horrific gruesome things. Many have seen their own parents killed in front of their eyes. Having to deal with the unforgettable images as well as adjust to a new home and school will put a toll on anyone.
Language barriers also put a toll on learning. In Lebanon, the most common languages for the classrooms are French and English. However, the most used language in Syria is Arabic.
“The Syrian children don’t understand French at all. It’s like talking to a brick wall. It’s only those who are in kindergarten who are able to catch up,” stated Elham Ghalayani, assistant principal.
Last, but not least, some parents of refugees find themselves deciding whether or not to send their children to school at all. One reason for this is because parents are afraid for their children’s safety. Walking to school, especially from far away villages, makes parents worry their children may get hurt or lost. Another reason is based on money. They simply cannot afford to send their children to school or end up choosing a few of their children to go. In addition to this, teen refugees seem to have lost all hope for school. They feel too far behind to catch up academically and believe their time working for income is better spent.
“If this problem is left unaddressed, the children will lose hope, especially adolescence, said Maria Calivis, with UNICEF regional director. They will replicate and perpetuate the violence that they have seen. And they will lack the skills and knowledge that one day will be needed to rebuild Syria.”
People are indeed trying to restore life back to these child refugees. So called, “Ambassadors for Education,” which are Syrian children who have taken on the task of ensuring children go to school. These Ambassadors walk through the refugee camps finding children who are not in school.
“Take this chance, it’s yours! Education is important,” shouts 15-year-old Mazoun to nearby refugees.
Effort has also been spent trying to recruit more teachers. Going so far as to hire refugees, who once taught in Syria. In addition to this, schools have extended their hours and have created afternoon shifts. Also, classes and extra study groups are being formed to help with the children who are behind catch up.
It took three years for Syrian rebels and government armies to turn the lives of these children upside down. Undoubtedly, it will probably take twice as much time to turn it right side up.
– Amy Robinson
Sources: New York Times, CNN, UNHCR
Photo: Bread for Syria