Conditions for Palestinian Refugee Schoolchildren in Syria

Palestinians who live in Husseiniyeh camp, in Syria, rely heavily on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for their basic educational needs. Most UNWRA schools are overcrowded and face the challenge of maintaining quality educational services that they have been providing up until now.

Conditions for Palestinian Refugee Schoolchildren in Syria Eduardo Cure: For Palestinians who live in Husseiniyeh camp overcrowding in poverty are just some of the factors that contribute to violence, abuse and stress among caregivers and their children. Palestinian refugee children rely heavily on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for their basic educational needs. And with almost 80% of the 81,000 Palestinian students attending UNWRA schools, overcrowding in the classroom is inevitable. Samia Othman: We have many challenges, the first challenge is a double shift schools which impacts on students. Students return home during late hours and they also arrive to school at a very early time. The second challenge is overcrowded schools. We want to implement a policy where each class will not accommodate more than 40 students, and in some areas, there is limited communication between the community and the school. Eduardo Cure: Inspite of these challenges, UNWRA schools such as Al Aqsa, have a very good reputation for the quality of educational services that they provide. During the 2003- 2004 school year, the passing rates for the 9th grade state exams was 96%. In addition to excellent academic skills, students learn communication and leadership skills. They also about learn about their rights and responsibilities and how to protect themselves from abuse. Mohammad Fouad Ahmad: I was a very shy person. But after participating in training sessions, I improved and now I have some leadership skills where I can communicate freely and do many things that I could not do in the past. Eduardo Cure: These child-friendly schools include active learning methodologies, alternative to punishment, protection from violence, access to water and sanitation, and a functioning parent-teacher association. Through access to education, these children can aspire for a better future. This is Eduardo Cure reporting for UNICEF Television, Unite for Children.