UK NARIC’s ‘Syrians in Jordan’ qualification information project continues to go from strength to strength, recently informing a seminar event and round-table discussion in central Amman to identify and analyse the obstacles to the education, training and employment of Syrian refugees in the country.
Attended by representatives from multiple NGOs, as well as leading education providers and employers of refugees, the event proved to be an enjoyable and informative occasion. Speakers included Dr Ayman Maqableh [pictured above], Dean of Al-Quds College, and Ramzi Shtawi from Spring Spectrums uniforms factory.
It was observed that, while an appetite to train and employ Syrian refugees exists in Jordan, there are problematic barriers which limit the effectiveness of employment and training strategies. These barriers include under-developed support and guidance systems.
Further issues including limited mobility and a lack of qualification documentation also reduce the labour market integration of the Syrian refugee community.
Nevertheless, it was also noted that the Syrian refugee population is generally well-educated, and that cultural and language barriers that might otherwise be a problem are non-existent.
It is by addressing concerns related to prior learning that UK NARIC’s ‘Syrians in Jordan’ project assists with the economic inclusion of the Syrian refugees currently residing in Jordan.
Using a comprehensive and adaptable methodology refined across several pilot schemes for refugees in the Middle East and beyond, UK NARIC provides information on refugees’ skills and education backgrounds, and identifies relevant ‘next steps’ for individuals to take, should they wish to undertake further study or training in Jordan, or enter the labour market.
Applicants are being issued with a document (known as a ‘Statement’) which contains bespoke information on the level and learning outcomes of their qualifications. This information can be used by employers and admissions officials at education institutions to inform their decision-making processes.
Applicants are also provided with further guidance to enable them to identify relevant opportunities that are available to them, which may assist in upskilling. All details are given in both English and Arabic.
Over 950 applications have now been received. Further to this, credential evaluators from UK NARIC have performed over 100 personal interviews with a view to providing value judgements even for those who do not hold full qualification documentation.
The seminar event was a fascinating occasion for key stakeholders to discuss the progress that has been made in the region thus far, and identify further areas and opportunities for collaboration in an effort to support both the Syrian refugee and Jordanian host communities around the country.
For more information regarding the ‘Syrians in Jordan’ project, please see www.naric.org.uk/sij or email sij@naric.org.uk
