CARE implements children, youth protection, enablement project

AMMAN — Global relief agency CARE International in Jordan is implementing a new child and youth protection and resilience building programme, to include Jordanian and Syrian refugee children and youths, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

According to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the project entails the establishment of the first CARE Child Education Boards (CCEBs) for Syrian children in Amman, Zarqa, Mafraq and Irbid. 

Entitled “Increasing Life-Saving Protection and Resilience for Refugee and Jordanian Children and Youth through Education on Emergencies and Resilience Strategies,” the project, which started on June 1, 2018, will conclude on May 31, 2019, with a budget set at 2.45 million euros.

According to the CARE website, the initiative aims to boost refugee children participation in decision-making processes, as it targets Syrian refugee boys and girls aged 8-16. 

The project also involves launching a national platform to enable children to fulfil their needs and desires, and discuss possible solutions by playing an active role in the process.

After extensive interviews with applicants interested in joining the boards, from November through December, 2018, CARE selected the members of the Child Boards: 12 children from every geographical area, totalling 48, 24 girls and 24 boys.

Noor Abd Alrahman, 11, from Syria, said: “I want to open my own education centre. And I want to be a voice for all Syrian children. I can draw well and I would like to use my talent to express Syrian children’s wishes.” 

She fled Syria with her family after the war broke out and had to drop out of school for a year to support her family by helping her mother in processing and preparing vegetables to be sold later. 

As a next step, CARE will start preparing for the capacity-building activities for the CCEB members on a variety of skills, including public speaking, negotiation skills, human rights/ children’s rights, conflict resolution, group dynamics, foundations of debate, media communication and campaigning, newsletter writing, photography/videography and other activities. 

This all falls under the goal of enhancing their social and communication skills, in order for them to be able to express their own needs and represent the needs of all Syrian children with confidence and purpose.

CARE will also be facilitating regular meetings for the CCEB members, where their needs and inputs on education and protection matters within the schools, homes and communities will be discussed with a set agenda and an action plan. 

It will also support members in developing their initiatives, which can include crucial topics addressing violence in schools and communities, bullying and other priorities.