In the year 2002, I went to Syria with my family in Eid Edha Vacation running away from the snow in Jordan, but the snow followed us anyway 😛
So we had limited outdoor activities, but Demashiq was very beautiful, charming with historical buildings and architecture character. Food and people of Demashiq were the best part, I had the most delicious generous meals in my life there and the cheapest, local people were very kind and welcoming, they loved all nationalities and treated everyone with a big warming heart.
It’s shame that we never went back to Syria again after that Trip, and I’m not sure when we can go again, but I hope sooner than I think. Therefore I’m writing this blog to share with you what those kind people are facing away from their home.
Building off the work to promote social and economic development, Impact Experience would design a gathering to bring together foundations, impact investors, innovators, local Syrian business owners and entrepreneurs to co-create solutions with the Syrian communities most directly impacted by the Syrian civil war and displacement.
In the sixth year of the Syrian civil war, the number of people displaced by the fighting has surpassed 5 million, and Turkey remains a crucial haven for many of them. Now harboring at least 2.5 million Syrians, Turkey has become the number-one destination for refugees fleeing the conflict. In 2014, the “Foreigners under Temporary Protection” regulation granted refugees free access to public services such as education and health care but it did not include a vision for long-term integration.
Poverty levels are on the rise as are health concerns as now, Syrians residing in Turkey represent up 3.5% of Turkey’s population. Of these, approximately 1.8 million are of working age. The majority possess low skill sets and face language barriers. The issue is further complicated by the Turkish regulation and Ministry of labor. Syrians who live in camps are unable to apply for work permits because they lack residence papers.
The situation has lasted for over six years, more refugees are coming in Turkey every day, the challenge of having basic human needs is critical and clear.
Dialogue is needed to create trust in the community, and to bring sustainable solutions to the region that will solve the issues of displacement while providing economic support and job stability for the Syrian refugees.
EDUCATION FOR REFUGEES: TURKEY
Leaving home because of war and moving to a new place with a different environment, language and waiting to settle in one place for some children means a year or two without education and sometimes more. Two-thirds of Syrian refugee children in Turkey are not attending school. Obstacles include financial difficulty and language barriers, which prevent Syrian refugee children from receiving a formal education in Turkey.
Failing to provide Syrian children with education puts an entire generation at risk. One survey showed 80% of refugees residing outside of refugee camps have eight years of education or less. Only 10% have a university degree.
Turkey hosts more than two million Syrian refugees, including 708,000 school-aged children. more than 400,000 of them do not receive a formal education.
The Turkish government adopted a policy in September 2014, that formally granted Syrian children access to public schools, but key obstacles – including language barriers, social integration, economic hardship, and a lack of information about the policy.