Brett Commaille’s Post

Education - a lifeline for refugees. On #WorldRefugeeDay I still find hope in #Education When refugees flee, their lives are disrupted, future plans halted and for children - learning stops! The statistics should shock us! Of the 117.3 million displaced population in the world, 40% are children under 18. Half of them are #OutofSchool especially girls. The higher the education ladder, the steeper the drop-off in numbers. However #Inclusive education in an opportunity for all. ✅ It ensures peace, prosperity and wellbeing = social cohesion and tolerance ✅ If refugee children are educated in national systems, it creates pathways for recognised qualifications and employment = boosting host economies ✅ It brings new investments in the form of new classrooms and learning materials and teachers. As crises become more protracted, we need; ✅ fully inclusive education systems ✅predictable and accelerated multi-year financial support ✅gender-responsive education planning ✅coordinated multi- stakeholder exchange of best practices But above all #Peace #RaiseYourHand

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) collaborated with us on a 16-week pilot study called the Pop-up Learning Model, providing learning at the right level to 257 Rohingya children and adults in refugee settlements in Cox's Bazar, #Bangladesh, without relying on teachers within the first 8 weeks of a crisis, to ensure continued education in Education in Emergency (EiE) situations. This initiative, run by refugee women as facilitators, emphasized learning in homes/community spaces, providing self-motivated learning, as well as additional emotional and psychological support. The initiative also addressed challenges such as limited access to electricity and formal educational resources. Enuma developed a localized version of Kitkit School that included instructions and videos in Rohingya. After 4 months of using Kitkit School, there was an average positive increase of 0.21 ASER literacy levels, with the percentage of children unable to read words (Levels 0 and 1) decreasing from 71.60% to 47.54%. An average positive increase of 0.33 ASER numeracy levels was also observed. At baseline, 83.3% of children were not able to identify double-digit numbers (Levels 0 and 1), but at the endline, 46% of children moved to Level 2. Check out the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gzwtVnBF #numeracy #literacy #education #educationforall

I've been with Amala Education for just over 18 months as a fundraiser. Part of my role seeking support for our work is to dig into the difference we are making. Every week I'm blown away by the impact stories I hear and the ways that Amala addresses the critical lack of quality education for young refugees. Here are some of the ways that Amala is transforming education for refugee youth: 🚀 Amala offers young refugees, aged 16-25 (a much needed inclusive age range), the chance to continue their education and to build their futures.   💫 Amala's Global Secondary Diploma is groundbreaking - the first internationally accredited programme in the refugee education space. This opens BIG doors and opportunities. 🚀The approach to learning is pioneering, students are given the opportunity to explore who they are, their personal perspectives, their communities and how they can make change - this again opens BIG doors and opportunities.   💫Amala's local teams, many of whom are alumni, are creating these transformative learning experiences. They shape the learning so it’s relevant and inspiring for students, their lives, their futures. 🚀We're seeing incredible outcomes: students launching their own community projects, advocating for rights, and accessing scholarships. There is a huge need for this work, but funding is a huge challenge - ⏰ And this week there is a powerful opportunity to give to Amala and be part of transforming education for refugee youth. From today, Amala is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Which means that for the next week, from 3- 10 December, every donation to Amala will be DOUBLED. Our goal is to raise £10,000 - which will unlock £20,000 to expand our programmes and support 200 more displaced young people in Jordan and Kenya. If you can, please consider making a donation on our campaign page here: https://lnkd.in/ehYfFdhr You can also make an impact in other ways: 📢 By sharing this campaign with your networks 🗨️ By mentioning Amala and this campaign with your friends, family or colleagues Every action can help transform education for refugee youth 💫 🚀 💫 #ChristmasChallenge #EducationforChange

Millions of children are out of school due to war and persecution, with their hopes for the future put on hold. No child should be deprived of the opportunity to receive an education and develop their skills and interests. However, recent statistics paint a troubling picture: the number of children denied their right to education is on the rise. At the Refugee Council, we are dedicated to supporting young refugees in accessing the education they deserve through a range of services. These include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, math courses, and access to schools. We also help them develop work-related skills through volunteering, work experience programmes like Refugees Into Jobs, or by referring them to other organisations offering educational mentoring to foster new skills. These efforts help young people start or continue their education, reduce isolation, and boost their confidence and capabilities. You can help reverse this trend and support young refugees as they rebuild their lives in the UK. Follow the link to learn more about our projects and discover how you can contribute to ensuring that young people's right to education is upheld: https://bit.ly/3zmXpuH

It’s heartbreaking: only 11.6% of refugee youth of secondary school age in Kakuma currently attend secondary school, as highlighted in a recent report by the Jesuit Refugee Service - compared to 42% of refugees worldwide. While the reasons are complex—underfunding, poverty, early marriage—one key factor stands out: the scarcity of trained and qualified teachers. The report revealed an even more troubling fact: “Most of Kakuma’s secondary teachers’ highest qualification is a secondary education diploma, and many of them never liked or never wanted to be teachers. But because of their living conditions in the camp, most of them are being forced into teaching.” At Amala, we’re committed to tackling this issue. Access to quality education for refugee and conflict-affected youth depends on well-trained, motivated educators. That’s why we’ve developed our on-the-job Educator Development Programme, spearheaded by our Innovation and Learning Lead Louie Barnett and supported by our Learning Leads, Holli Ghaisen and Fatima Abualeenein Abualnein. Our 15-month programme focuses on three core competencies: 1️⃣ Learning Design 2️⃣ Learning Facilitation 3️⃣ Learning Improvement We provide coaching, peer learning, and specialised modules to help educators overcome specific classroom challenges. Investing in their professional growth is already making a difference—not just for the teachers but for Amala students as well. Amala’s educators are enabling refugee youth thrive and make their dreams come true by providing high-quality education, fostering a sense of belonging, and supporting their overall wellbeing. We are truly privileged to work alongside such a dedicated team of educators! 🙌 Check out this interview with Louie Barnett (link in comments) to learn more about the Educator Development Programme—and feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat! #RefugeeEducation hashtag #TeacherDevelopment hashtag #EducationForAll hashtag #AmalaEducation hashtag #EmpoweringYouth hashtag #KakumaCamp hashtag #EducatorDevelopment

#WorldRefugeeDay serves as a platform to recognize the valuable contributions made by #refugees and foster empathy and understanding toward their challenges and #resilience in shaping a better tomorrow. Since arriving in Bangladesh in 2017, Rohingya refugees have sought to establish normalcy. By 2019, their community achieved stability, but education remains a significant unmet need due to government restrictions on formal schooling. Refugee-led community teacher networks have emerged to address this educational gap. This paper highlights the promising possibility of broadening access to academic learning seems promising, as the education sector of the humanitarian response developed the Guidelines for Informal Education Programming, endorsed by the Bangladesh government for #preprimary and #primary grade levels. Learn more https://bit.ly/3yk3E1t #worldrefugeeday 

Supporting #PublicEducation means providing all students—no matter their background or circumstances—with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The Masons of California are proud to collaborate with Raising a Reader and Washington Unified School District to make a real difference in the lives of Afghan refugee students. As part of this partnership, we're excited to fund bilingual books with #Farsi translations for 150 Afghan newcomer students currently enrolled in the district, located in one of the largest Afghan refugee communities in the U.S. This initiative underscores a key commitment: ensuring that every child, regardless of their native language, can thrive academically. By providing access to books in their first language, the Masons are helping to build #literacy skills and foster a love of learning—creating opportunities for these young learners to thrive both in school and beyond. This new Farsi collection of books not only serves to strengthen literacy among Afghan refugee students but also fosters deeper family connections as they read and learn together. The impact of this initiative will be felt across the district, with 50 classrooms now benefitting from these resources. More broadly, we're proud to support Raising a Reader programs in over 900 classrooms statewide, focusing on underserved schools and students who are most in need of these resources. The goal: to expand these efforts even further and provide these vital materials to 1,000 classrooms across California. Says Doug Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation, “Imagine starting a life in a new country and not being able to communicate with your teachers and peers.” Together, we are committed to breaking down those barriers, supporting these students and their families, and improving educational outcomes for all. Let’s continue to support and uplift the next generation of learners! Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/gxTwedv5 #MasonsofCA #AfghanRefugees #SupportingEducation #RaisingaReader #CommunityImpact #FamilyReading

📚 Empowering Education in Refugee Communities I am thrilled to share a heartwarming story of determination and hope from within our community. Meet Mohammed Anos, a bright 4-year-old eager to pursue education despite the challenges faced in the Bangladesh refugee camps. In a community where formal education resources are limited, represents the resilience and potential of every child yearning to learn. As an educator, I firmly believe that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Witnessing the hunger for knowledge in writing & drawing, I provided him with a book, a simple yet powerful tool to ignite his curiosity and pave the way for his educational journey. This small act symbolizes our collective commitment to breaking barriers and empowering the next generation. Imagine a community without access to formal education—deprived of opportunities, knowledge, and growth. By investing in education, we cultivate empowered individuals who can shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Let's join hands in championing education and ensuring that every child, like Mohammed Anos, has the chance to dream, learn, and thrive. Together, let's build a world where education knows no bounds. 🏣 #EducationForAll #Empowerment #RefugeeEducation

We believe access to education is a fundamental human right. But when does access to higher education become a priority during a humanitarian crisis? This is a question we get asked a lot, ‘humanitarian work’ often focuses on basic needs, shelter, food, water. However, from our experience, and from perspectives of our students, getting back to studying is a priority earlier than you might think. Our Guidance Programme provides essential support, including scholarship information and career advice, guiding young refugees on their journey to achieving their educational aspirations. And are adapting it so it can be deployed in different contexts - including humanitarian crises. Crucially, our programme guides, mentors and facilitators are all alumni of Mosaik who were once refugees themselves – who better to understand the challenges faced by refugee students than someone with firsthand experience who’s been there? Become a champion this #WorldHumanitarianDay and #ActForHumanity by supporting our work and sharing this message! #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalCommunity #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalCelebration #MosaikAlumni #Inspiration #RefugeeDreams #SupportOpportunity

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆! On 16 June 1976, about 20,000 young people in Soweto protested against Afrikaans as a language of instruction in schools, a pivotal moment in South Africa's history. Today, many young people still face learning environments that hinder their progress. Education inequality and youth unemployment remain significant challenges in South Africa. However, After School Programmes (ASPs) are vital in equalising education in underserved communities. We are proud to partner with incredible grantees [ASPs] dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for many learners. Through the Social Employment Fund (SEF), The Learning Trust (TLT) is enhancing capacity in the after-school sector. SEF has created numerous job opportunities for young people, enabling them to gain relevant work experience, develop job readiness skills, and secure brighter futures. SEF not only supports ASPs but also serves as a youth employer by hiring unemployed young people in the form of teacher assistance (TAs) and other roles, ensuring learners have access to the resources they need to thrive. With it's emphasis on "work for the common good," SEF provides young people with meaningful work opportunities, which strengthen the after-school sector as well. Happy Youth Day! Share with us in the comments how you are commemorating youth month. We'd love to hear your story. 👉 Read our position paper on leveraging public employment and after-school programmes to deliver multiple outcomes to learn more about our work on the SEF: https://bit.ly/4cFq2S7 #SEF #SocialEmploymentfund #Workforcommongoood #EmpoweringLives #BeyondTheClassroom #AfterSchoolWorks