HOPES Project: Lab Session at European Development Days 2019
It is estimated that less than 1% of refugees have access to tertiary education, compared to 36% of their peers elsewhere (UNHCR 2016). On the eve of the World Refugee Day, the session “HOPES against inequalities! Project lab on providing refugees with access to tertiary education and further learning – needs, challenges and innovative practices” gave a voice to refugee students, local education providers and policy makers. They all stressed the paramount importance of tertiary education, which gives young refugees the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to contribute to society and that are essential for post-conflict recovery and rebuilding.
HOPES - Higher and Further Education Opportunities & Perspectives for Syrians
The HOPES project addresses the challenges faced by Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in the countries neighbouring Syria. Through a symbiotic mix of education offers (academic counselling, language courses, scholarships, innovative projects, policy dialogue), HOPES has improved the prospects of refugee youth in the region. The project is funded by the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis, the ‘Madad Fund’, and implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the British Council, Campus France and Nuffic.
The HOPES lab session was connected via teleconference to the high-level event “The Other 1 Percent”, which took place on the same days (18/19 June 2019) at the German Foreign Office in Berlin. The event in Berlin was organised by DAAD and UNHCR and featured the German Foreign minister and the UNHCR High Commissioner along with refugee students and educational stakeholders.
