EDUCATION
Bridging the Digital Divide in Jordan
Dec, 2023
Anera’s education project in Jordan supports digital learning for Palestinian refugees.
In a rapidly evolving world that demands digital literacy, many children within marginalized communities find themselves lagging behind because they lack access to essential tools like computers and classes on how to use them. In Jordan’s marginalized communities and refugee camps, many families struggling to make a living simply cannot afford them.
Anera's Education and Digital Literacy project in Jordan’s refugee camps is a lifeline, offering comprehensive computer education and digital literacy training and providing laptops and other equipment. Empowering students with essential computer skills is providing them with the tools to navigate a digital future in Jordan’s job market.
During the Covid pandemic in 2021, Anera partnered with Thaki, a digital education non-profit organization, to provide laptops preloaded with an array of educational materials and resources to refugees and vulnerable host community students and their teachers. The pilot program was such a success that Anera expanded it through next year thanks to generous contributions from donors.
The digital classes now are operating in the Baqa’a and Souf refugee camps, reaching more than 300 students. An additional 300 students will be included in the program in 2024.
Teachers like Hussam Aqel are using the digital toolkit to offer classes in math, science, computer coding geography and much more. Hussam actually got his degree in chemical engineering but the 26-year-old Jordanian of Palestinian heritage faced the harsh reality of limited job opportunities. He was frustrated by a series of jobs that barely paid the bills.
Hussam's life took an unexpected turn for the better when he discovered Anera’s program. Hussam was hired to teach and found a passion he never knew existed. His innovative lesson plans sparked excitement and the enthusiasm of his students became his driving force. “Through my work with Anera,, not only have I found a way to educate children but I also discovered myself and a new path to my own dreams.”
Saja Ali Masleh faced uncertainty at the beginning of her career due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The graduate in English studies was undeterred and opened her own English language center, hoping to empower young minds. Saja's journey led her to Anera, where she encountered children from diverse backgrounds, many living in refugee camps. “I discovered the majority of my students, aged 9 to 16, had never used a computer before. They needed to get up-to-speed with the digital world.” A dedicated teacher, Saja has ignited her students’ ambitions to pursue their dream.
Carina Aoun, a key mobilizer in Anera’s Education and Digital Literacy project, understood the urgency of equipping students with essential digital tools. “This educational program stands out for its hands-on, practical approach that enables students to actively engage with the tools of tomorrow,” she explains. As the students have embraced these new skills, Carina saw their confidence grow.
She describes the project as more than just an educational initiative for Palestinian refugees in Jordan. She says it is a lifeline for marginalized communities, offering empowerment and opportunities to overcome digital illiteracy and prepare students for the challenges ahead.
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