Approximately 57% of the people living in Zaatari camp are under the age of 18 and almost 20% are under 5 years of age. This makes the provision of education to school aged children extremely difficult.
Three schools are operating in the camp, all on a double shift basis, with girls attending in the morning, and boys in the afternoon. According to the latest numbers available, 15,500 of an estimated 28,000 school age children are attending formal education in the camp (UNHCR, August 2015). The schools are run by the UN Children’s fund, UNICEF and the Jordanian Ministry of Education. 13% of children in Zaatari are engaged in child labour.
Informal education sessions are also being provided within the camp by humanitarian organisations such as Save the Children, as are other activities such as music and sports programs. There are Child Friendly Spaces around the camp including 7 playgrounds and sports courts. There are a total of 27 community based centres providing psychosocial support services, child protection case management and recreational activities for children.
“Child Friendly Spaces are ultimately safe spaces. They are a place for the kids to express their energy, creativity and develop friendships. For children who have experienced so much violence and trauma, we want them to play and be creative. It’s important for their lives to move forward in that way.”
“The goal is that these activities help move young people out of a state of anxiety and get them motivated to think about, “How should I be investing in myself as an individual and in my friends and in a community so that every day of my life counts?” (Alexandra Chen, Child Protection Advisor, Mercy Corps).
the classroom and beyond 