Barriers to educational access: Adult learners amidst the Syrian refugee crisis

• In Event: Technology Beyond Borders: Adult Education in Conflict Settings

Proposal

Background
Individuals affected by conflict face a variety of barriers in accessing education and employment opportunities. The Syrian crisis has caused over 4 million to seek refuge outside of the country and has led to an additional 6 million being internally displaced. The ongoing conflict has led to disrupted education for millions of young people who are now struggling to acquire the language and professional skills that will allow them to pursue higher education and employment opportunities.

Methods and Data
This research began with a literature review of UN reports, NGO reports, and academic studies (see: Dryden-Peterson, 2015; Lăzăroiu, 2015; Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Lebanon, 2016). Experts in the field, with a focus on those with experience in the MENA region, were also identified through this literature review and they were contacted to conduct six semi-structured interviews. A survey was also disseminated via social media, and 469 responses were received. Despite the organization’s limited presence on the ground this survey methodology effectively gathered data internationally and connected with individuals affected by the Syrian crisis.

Findings
Across conflict settings there are several commonalities in the problems young adults face in accessing education and employment opportunities. For those affected by the Syrian crisis, language barriers, difficulties with transportation, and prohibitive costs, as well as a lack of accredited educational and training programs are some of the most pressing challenges. Information and communications technology (ICT) presents some promising solutions, but a mistrust of online programs could pose a challenge. This research also showed that the Paper Airplanes model of individualized tutoring is unique amongst initiatives targeted at people affected by conflict.

Significance
Because Paper Airplanes’ model of individualized tutoring is unique, it poses an interesting case study of the use of technology to provide populations affected by conflict with educational opportunities. The results of this research also informed the strategic direction of Paper Airplanes, and are shaping how it works to expand and improve its existing programs.

Panel References

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Dryden-Peterson, S. (2015). The educational experiences of refugee children in countries of first asylum. Washington, DC: Migration Policy Institute.

Lăzăroiu, G. (2015). The educational status of refugee youth from Syria. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 47(13–14), 1383–1384. http://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2015.1108608

Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Lebanon. (2016). Reaching all children with education: RACE II (2017-2021). Retrieved from http://www.mehe.gov.lb/
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Moser-Mercer, B. (2014). MOOCs in fragile contexts. Proceedings from the European MOOC Stakeholder Summit 2014, Lausanne, Switzerland. Retrieved from http://www.emoocs2014.eu/sites/default/files/Proceedings-Moocs-Summit-2014.pdf

UNESCO. (2016). Education for people and planet: Creating sustainable futures for all. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002457/245752e.pdf

UNHCR. (2014). Syria crisis: Education Interrupted. Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/publications/operations/52aaebff9/syria-crisis-education-interrupted.html

UNHCR. (2016). Missing out: Refugee education in crisis. Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/57d9d01d0

USAID. (2013). Using technology to deliver educational services to children and youth in environments affected by crisis and/or conflict. Retrieved from https://www.usaid.gov/
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Zouev, A. (1999). Generation in jeopardy: Children in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Armonk, NY: UNICEF.

Author

• Gabrielle Wimer, Paper Airplanes