EDU-SYRIA: solving cross-border challenges through skills development and education in Jordan
In the face of cross-border challenges, the power of collective effort has become increasingly vital. Established a decade ago to aid those affected by the Syrian crisis , EDU-SYRIA aims at improving livelihood prospects for the people in Jordan, and helping youth to build a better future through skills and knowledge. Focused on providing over 3000 scholarships for higher education and job training, the programme’s efforts are instrumental in supporting Syrian refugees and underprivileged Jordanians facing limited opportunities. The programme is led by the German Jordanian University (GJU), and joined by partners such as the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, DAAD, Nuffic, and various Jordanian universities.
Bottleneck Alleviation Programme
Where a big part of EDU-SYRIA is based on scholarships, Nuffic West Asia North Africa – our local office in the region - managed the Bottleneck Alleviation Programme (BAP) within EDU-SYRIA. This part of EDU-SYRIA fits Nuffic’s expertise as a programme manager and expert in group training and institutional capacity building. The Bottleneck Alleviation Programme contributed to 826 beneficiaries being directly involved through 12 training projects implemented by organisations such as NGOs, universities and TVET institutes, reaching 579 Syrian refugees and 247 vulnerable Jordanians. Of these beneficiaries, 469 were female and 356 male.
The 12 projects that were granted as part of the programme all had a focus on skills development tailored for optimal access to the labour market. Each initiative had a maximum budget of €60,000 and a maximum duration of 18 months to strengthen youth through specific skill training and other types of education. The projects covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from training on installing and maintaining of solar panels, smart agriculture, digital skills, caregiving, plumbing and animal health, to learning about taking care of electrical cars. The different kinds of trainings and thematic areas addressed the varied educational needs of people living in different regions in Jordan, emphasising the importance of equipping beneficiaries with practical skills to not only access education and improve their skills and knowledge, but also apply these in order to increase their employability and thrive in their jobs.
In order to boost employability even further, both inside and outside of Jordan, English courses were additionally arranged for 60 EDU-SYRIA beneficiaries from the projects. The ‘Job Readiness English Course’ aimed at equipping 60 graduates with the needed skills and knowledge for the
Empowerment through plumbing
A great example of how participating in one of the 12 projects of EDU-SYRIA can help participants is the story of Sana Wardate . Sana’s family used to be in financial uncertainty, but this changed for the better after she took part in courses to learn about plumbing through an EDU-SYRIA project titled ‘Empowerment Syrian refugees Widows and capacity development in Plumbing, gray water treatment, and reuse in agriculture (ESWP)’. Sana is now the sole female plumber in the area and has a very busy job as many women hesitate to invite male plumbers into their homes. Thanks to Sana opening up to a new career, she now stands out not only as the region's sole female plumber but also as a beacon of empowerment for others.
Continuing success
EDU-SYRIA's commitment to empowering communities in Jordan through education and skills development remains unwavering. Through collaborative efforts and tailored programs like the Bottleneck Alleviation Programme, EDU-SYRIA continues to make significant strides in enhancing the lives and livelihoods of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, fostering a brighter and more promising future for all.
We are happy to announce that the current EDU-SYRIA programme, EDU-SYRIA III, will be succeeded by a follow-up programme: EDU-SYRIA IV. Nuffic will play a similar role in the upcoming EDU-SYRIA IV programme as an expert in managing projects. This will enhance the sustainability of the results already achieved within the programme and will increase collaborations between consortium partners, project partners, the beneficiaries and many other stakeholders involved. In the follow-up programme, we will continue to have this role, providing tools to enhance access to education, completion of higher education and access to the labour market on an ongoing basis. Our colleagues look forward to meeting you (again) in this new programme.



Want to know more on this initiative?
Contact Dr. Reem Alkhader from our local office Nuffic West Asia North Africa in Jordan.
Stationed in Jordan
+962 795 10 73 33
Available Sundays to Thursdays
