In 2023, Phoenix Space partnered with Blumont and received generous support from Gulfsands to launch a ground-breaking STEM educational program. The goal was to provide educational and upskilling opportunities to marginalised youths in Zaatari Camp, Jordan. Our mission was to provide undeserved young people with access to resources and opportunities that would enable them to unlock their full potential, promote confidence in their abilities and foster self-reliance which establishes robust foundations for long-term growth and development.
We believe that bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and sustainable development is essential, and a holistic strategy is imperative for long-lasting progress. By transcending beyond a purely humanitarian approach, we can lay the foundations for a better future and ensure the longevity of our impact.
The first cohort of students consisted of 198 Syrian refugee children aged between 8 and 14. The programme took place over the course of six-days. During this time, they completed 12 lessons and devoted 12-15 hours to their studies. Experienced educators and mentors from Blumont guided and supported our students through their educational journey. Ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment.
Our course equipped these young individuals with a fundamental understanding of STEM competencies and scientific literacy. However, what made this initiative stand out was its emphasis on innovative thinking and problem-solving. Our students’ feedback spoke to the success of this approach, with an impressive 92% acknowledging that the program had instilled in them the belief “that they could solve anything if they tried hard enough.”
“I’d like to study space so I can go deeper into things that no one has discovered before me.
Sana’a, 11
“ I want to study civil engineering to help rebuild my country Syria.
Mohammad, 13
Mohammad’s statement is a testament to the transformative potential of our STEM programs. This course not only gave him the ability to dream of his own success, but also to envision a brighter future for his community. By empowering him with the skills and knowledge to make a difference, Mohammad is a shining example of the potential that STEM education holds. His story reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development, which is vital for lasting change.
Caroline Haddad, Blumont Jordan Country Director, thanked Phoenix Space and Gulfsands for empowering Syrian refugees and the UNHCR for their continuous support. She said: “STEM education is crucial to the youth’s success in the Camp to enter the job market and help them become more employable. We want our refugees to have a skill set that gives them options and opportunities. She added: “Blumont provides a wide variety of educational activities inside the camp, including academic development, life skills development, sports, art, and innovation education, which focuses on the design thinking process and learning to use digital fabrication techniques to produce social designs addressing different social concerns presented by the community”.
We are thrilled by the success of this programme and hope we only see this initiative grow in the future.
