White Lotus School, Jarabulus, Syria
Project Summary
Filling the Education Gap in Jarabulus
Since March 2011, the civil conflict in Syria has forced more than 14 million people to flee to neighboring countries to seek safety – the most basic of human needs. The February 2023 earthquake in the north of the country only compounded this crisis. Normal day-to-day life, including education, has been disrupted indefinitely. Educational opportunities are simply not available or are financially beyond the reach of the majority of the refugees. As a result, they are not able to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.
But there is hope.
The Turkish border town of Jarabulus is host to more than 150,000 refugees. In 2023, Voice of a Child partnered with the local community to establish White Lotus Computer Technology Institute and White Lotus Kindergarten, ensuring a brighter future for the children and young adults within the refugee community.
White Lotus Computer Technology Institute opened its doors in July 2023. Initial offerings included free basic courses in English, Windows, Internet, and Microsoft Office. The current session class included 15 young men and 15 young women. Our graduates are now better equipped for and are pursuing digital and remote employment opportunities.
White Lotus Kindergarten was established in December 2023 to provide an affordable, safe, and joyful environment where children can learn and play. The kindergarten has 50 children now. We aim to instill values of love, peace, and collective spirit in the community.
A Safe Space
The centers provide more than technical skills and education. They are happy places. They are an escape from the never-ending turmoil of war and the grinding stress of poverty.
“In this haven . . . children experience an unparalleled sense of safety and warmth. Their laughter resonates with the sounds of happiness and innocence as they explore the wonders of the world and learn the art of cooperation and friendship,” said White Lotus principal Mohammed Kamal.
The institute and kindergarten continue to grow to meet the educational needs of our students through virtual and in-person platforms. With the procurement of additional equipment and in-kind services, we will be able to expand our size from our current number of 50 children. We continually strive to improve our curriculum.
White Lotus Technology Institute:
- Expand Accessibility: The institute began offering online classes in the summer of 2023, extending its reach far beyond the local community. Since its inception, the institute has had 5 sessions so far and 120 young men and women have graduated so far.
- Advanced Courses: Photoshop, Canva, and Power BI coding classes will soon be added to the curriculum to enhance our students’ skills. To do this, we will need to obtain additional laptops and software.
- Partnerships: We aspire to partner with local or remote businesses to provide job opportunities for our English and computer class graduates.
White Lotus Kindergarten:
- Capacity Expansion: The kindergarten has a current enrollment of 50 children aged 4-6 years. We hope to add an additional classroom soon.
- Parental Engagement: We will foster stronger parental involvement through monthly parent-teacher meetings, which will enrich the educational experience for our students.
Become a Beacon of Hope: Your generous support can transform the lives of countless young refugees. By donating to Voice of a Child, you directly contribute to creating brighter and happier futures through education. Help us expand our facilities, enrich our curriculum, and provide a safe, nurturing environment for learning.
Donate now to empower the next generation with knowledge, skills, and hope.
