ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP
Zaatari is a refugee camp in Jordan, that is located 12km from the Syrian boarder. This year marks the 5th year of the opening of the camp. Whilst the refugee camp was created with the intentions to only be around for a short period of time, it is gradually evolving into a permanent settlement. Housing around 80,000 Syrians, Zaatari refugee camp has become the fourth largest city of Jordan.
Zaatari however is different to many other refugee camps. Commerce and small businesses are allowed, from gold traders and bridal shops, to fruit and vegetable shops. The camp is also in support of aid groups, who provide basic health and education assistance. Whilst there is opportunity and assistance at the camp, many are poor, sick, traumatised from past and present events, and unsure of what their future holds.
At the camp, females are one of the most vulnerable groups, with high cases of domestic violence, girls being married off and pregnant at a young age, child labour and limited opportunity to receive an education.
GIRLS' EDUCATION AT ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP
As teachers, we are aware of the knowledge, joy, opportunity and safety education provides children. Also as teachers, we are aware of the many hopes, dreams and aspirations children have. A lot of the time, these dreams become reality, with the support of family, friends and of course, education. Just like the children we teach, the children in Zaatari have hopes and dreams for their future. According to one of the aid group programs at the camp, 4 doctors, 2 teachers, a lawyer, an artist, architect and an engineer were the responses heard, when a group of young girls were asked what they aspire to be when they are older.
As mentioned previously, around 80,000 people live in the camp, with over half being under the age of 18. Whilst there is education available, with 9 schools at Zaatari, according to UNICEF, only 2% of humanitarian aid goes toward education, and only 50% of the children are enrolled into school. Due to a shortage of schools and teachers and strict regulations from the national education system, the other 50% of these children are displaced and may never have the opportunity to receive an education. For the children who are enrolled in school, boys, girls and cohorts attend 3-hour shifts, with this making it impossible for even these children to adequately learn.
Out of the 50% of children who do not attend school, many are girls. At Zaatari, girls have an unequal opportunity to boys when it comes to receiving an education. Their needs are considered of a lesser value, and as a result, are unable to make choices or have a say. Many of the girls at Zaatari have low confidence, do not feel safe in their surroundings, and are living with fear and uncertainty for when the day comes for them to be forced into marriage, pregnancy or child labour.
Personally, I believe this ‘way of thinking’ is unacceptable. Taking away a basic human right to a group of people because of their gender is unjust. As teachers, I believe it is imperative that we make a difference.
For more information on this topic, be sure to visit the 'Girls' Education' tab on the top of this page.
