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Fixing fragmented futures through education-spotlighthero ;

Fixing fragmented futures through education

16 August 2019

Congratulations to our PADILEIA students, who graduated from their foundation courses at ceremonies held at the study-hubs in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon and Mafraq, Jordan.

As a result of the Syrian refugee crisis, many young people have sought refuge in surrounding countries and only a small number have access to higher education.

PADILEIA - the Partnership for Digital Learning and Increased Access - is a five-year project, begun in 2016 with support from the Department for International Development. So far, four cohorts of Syrian refugees and disadvantaged local youth in Jordan and Lebanon have completed the course.

I came to Jordan from Syria seven years ago because of the war and I was unable to attend any training or scholarship because of my age. After I attended the provided courses by PADILEIA, I became more ambitious and I began to develop my skills in IT. I have learned English language, computer programming, computer networks, and how to create websites and databases.– PADILEIA graduate

Dr Tania Lima, Director of Global Engagement at King’s College London, said: “Seeing the success stories and the students’ renewed hope for the future makes us proud of the programme and its achievements to date.”

“The students’ joy at graduation reaffirms the importance of our collaborative work there. We have learned a lot from and with our students in the region; a successful programme needs to be flexible and adapt to be sustainable; we remain committed to help address one of today’s biggest challenges.”

PADILEIA’s education offering consists of blended academic programmes including MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses), targeted online learning and classroom-based learning. Although it's target learners are displaced peoples living in Jordan and Lebanon, the project has benefited thousands of online learners from around the world.

My fellow students felt like brothers and sisters to me. There was really a big understanding among everybody, since we were all trying to support each other in our weaknesses and help each other overcome them. I am certain that students will never forget it and will absolutely miss its moments, that included long cold winter hours and hot summer days.– PADILEIA graduate

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