Successes and Shortcomings in the UNRWA Education

Everyone has the right to education......Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Since 1949 the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has served the Palestinian Refugee population of Jordan in education, health care, relief, camp infrastructure and improvement, community support, micro-finance and emergency response. The importance of education is stressed by a rapidly growing youth population (one-third of the population is under twelve) and a stressed labor market within Jordan. The challenges for UNRWA have resulted in both highs and lows for progress.

There are currently 172 schools providing free basic education from first to tenth grade for all in the camp. Education is the largest program administered by UNRWA accounting for 52% of the annual budget. Unfortunately this number is falling every year as donor contributions have been decreasing. In addition to schools UNRWA also operates two vocational and technical centers in Jordan offering programs in labor specific certification.

Failing infrastructure and personnel shortages are major hurdles for the UNRWA schools. With 92% of schools operating with double shifts and classrooms nearing forty, quality of education is suffering. The structures themselves, detectable by their white paint and blue barred

look far from their purpose of creativity and knowledge. Funds have created gaps in proper equipment, especially computers and lab equipment. A lack of access to today’s technology for the children will limit their possibilities outside of the camp.

With an official unemployment rate of 13.5% and an unofficial rate of over 30% for the entire population of Jordan the effects of the worldwide economic downturn are significant. The young population and strained resources within Jordan make the situation even more difficult to hurdle. This statistics are only magnified when looking at the Palestinian refugee population. With limited Jordanian citizenship those with an education are not are not able to work within the government or to leave the country for employment.

While the refugees have freedom of movement within Jordan their access to jobs is forcing many to abandon dreams of further education. Since UNRWA schools end at the tenth grade it is often difficult for students to continue their education outside of the camp they must begin their search for whatever employment they can find. There are limited scholarship opportunities; including a program funded by Japan, which accepts five students every year.

The uncertainties regarding the future for the youth in the camps is further compounded by the constant hope and desire to return to their homeland. With this focus in the forefront it was clear from visits within the camp that these powerful desires have put a focus on surviving until the right to return happens rather then finding a sustainable role within Jordanian society. With over sixty years of this quest UNRWA’s operations have had to straddle the competing strategies. With the growing youth population that is further removed from their previous life in Palestine the shift of ideals could alter in the near future.

With all the limitations politics and funding have given UNRWA I think that they must also be commended for the many successes that they have been able to pass on to the refugee population in Jordan. An example is the Human Rights promotion, funded by the United States Government, started in 2000. While the schools must follow the curriculum of their host country UNRWA has supplemented the Jordanian lessons with the Human Rights initiative among students and teaching staff. The programme focuses on the importance of communication over violence and the value of tolerance and good citizenship. This tailored programme benefits at both the individual and societal level.

The idea of human rights plays such an intricate role in these refugee’s daily lives; and it is often presented in a struggle that most of us have never had to deal with personally. With so many questions about their future and reflections on the past it is compelling to see the respect that these topics are received within the camp. When meeting with the Deputy Director of Jerash he proudly stated that 24 students were participants in a human Rights program within the camp.

On a visit to Baqa’ Camp with Father Qais Sadiq we were exposed to projects outside of UNRWA which were serving the school aged children during their summer break. This center clearly reflected passion and excitement for education. The children and women utilizing the center were benefiting from a place outside of the home to socialize and strategize for their futures. The brief time at this center showed that although the resources were limited they were making great movements with what they had. While we were not able to visit UNRWA schools, I hope that this attitude is continued within the institutions. With a majority of the teachers coming for the camps themselves it is hopeful that this is the case.

As with so much of our trip to Jordan exposure to UNRWA and its education system displayed a deeply complex situation through stirring personalities and a desire for acknowledgment. UNRWA’s commitment to the Universal Declaration has provided education to millions of refugees across the region. The constant funding issues, employment issues, and growing population amount to an increase strain on the system. These limitations are a call to the world outside UNRWA to continue and increase opportunities within and outside the camp these refugees must call home.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Hall, Stacy Potthoff