In search of asylum, without the security and familiarity of a homeland, some fall captive to the depths of desperation and sadness.
The journey of a refugee is unlike any other, often characterized by depression, conflict and the misery of camps. These images are not unfamiliar to Za’atari Camp, as they have been witnessed since the beginning of the ongoing crisis. Breaking and shining through the darkness, some refugees have decided to wake up, shouting with a voice filled with hope and optimism. They have decided to seize a new day that holds new experiences and opportunities for growth and development.
This is the story of a group of elderly men residing in Za’atari Camp. The elderly community represents an extremely vulnerable group in the camp, as their access to opportunities and services is often very limited. Participation of the elderly in community centers in the camp is often hindered by age limits imposed on programs and activities. As a result, many elderly residents report that their lives have been filled with a striking emptiness that stifles talent and diminishes hope.
However, for these men, not for long.
With a fiery determination to persevere and continue developing themselves despite their advancing age, they chose to participate in a computer skills course, embarking on a journey in search of knowledge and new skills. Their passion and desire to learn caught IRD/Blumont’s attention. The men were accommodated and given encouragement and support to participate in courses offered in IRD/Blumont’s community centers through the UNHCR-funded Community Based Support to Refugees 3 (CBSR 3) program.
The computer skills course in particular has had a very positive impact on the participants’ lives, as it has enriched them with valuable experience and new skills. The course facilitator played an important role in encouraging the men to participate and in delivering the course material in a manner that was both engaging and easy to understand.
At the conclusion of the course, the elderly male participants expressed their gratitude to their computer coach, Abdulnaser Alrifaie, as well as all the other staff who contributed to their learning and development, whether by providing financial support, tools, or the needed psychological support. They also expressed their desire to continue learning and developing other skills not only for their personal benefit, but for the benefit and well-being of the community at large. They are hopeful that organizations and educational courses in the camp can and will bring positive change to their lives and the elderly community.
The CBSR 3 program in Jordan manages components of Za’atari Camp, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world. The program also works with Syrian and non-Syrian refugees in urban settings, and directly serves vulnerable members of the Jordanian host community. CBSR 3 aims to reach 300,000 individuals by improving access to healthcare and reproductive health services, improving access to services for persons with specific needs, and strengthening community self-management.
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