Uplift
Promoting inclusive community engagement and ownership at Za’atari Refugee Camp
Jordan
Humanitarian Assistance 
Community Cohesion & Protection 2023-2025
UNHCR
Community Mobilization
A central focus of Uplift is empowering people living at Za’atari Camp with the skills and opportunities to act as agents of change in the community. At the foundation of this effort are refugee-led Community Support Networks that represent the needs of different people and an array of interests, including protection, inclusion, and digital development. Groups are inclusive of women, girls, people with disabilities, and older persons to ensure their voices are included in decision-making processes. They identify community needs, brainstorm solutions, and lead initiatives. Camp residents can also apply for volunteer-based positions to support Blumont activities in the camp.
Community Engagement
Blumont teams engage Za’atari residents of all ages, genders, and abilities through recreational activities. Designed in consultation with the community, activities include sports tournaments, art and painting sessions, interactive theatre performances, and photography workshops. These initiatives promote community connections, healthy coping strategies, and positive outlets for self-expression.
Encouraging Community Input
Za’atari Camp residents can submit feedback, reports, and recommendations via calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and comment boxes. Teams make every effort to inform residents about corrective actions, solutions, and decisions, as we work to encourage a communication loop amongst residents and people working in the camp.
Case Management & Referrals
Social workers on the Uplift team use the UNHCR vulnerability criteria to assess the needs of individuals and families at increased risk. Using the findings, teams create care plans to meet the needs of vulnerable residents, including the elderly and people with disabilities. Assistance may include the designation of caretakers; provision of mobility aids and devices, such as medical beds; support for accessibility, such as installation of ramps or wheelchair maintenance; or referrals to other service providers for specialized care. Uplift’s team of social workers are visible and known resources throughout Za’atari Camp as they conduct follow-up visits and provide support.
Innovation Lab
At the Innovation Lab, students of all ages build experience with technology through courses and hands-on training. Exploring topics ranging from basic computer skills and digital literacy to workshops on programming and coding, robotics, and green energy, residents learn marketable skills and design creative solutions to everyday problems in the community.
Learning Hubs
Learning Hubs are informal educational centers where residents can use the internet to complete school assignments, take on supplementary course work, or apply for jobs. At the Hubs, coaches offer a variety of training and educational opportunities to help participants build their computer skills and increase digital literacy. The Learning Hubs also support information and communication technology initiatives led by the Innovation Lab to improve digital inclusion and engagement.
TIGER
The TIGER program offers young people in Za’atari informal education opportunities, helps build life skills, and empowers them to engage in the community. Activities include reading groups, digital literacy trainings, and student clubs. The program targets young people between the ages of 9-17, 50% of whom are girls, with a special focus on the inclusion of children with disabilities.
RefuGIS
RefuGIS trains refugees in GIS mapping and data analysis. Using the platform, the team creates interactive dashboards and maps that can help address challenges in the camp, such as identifying areas prone to flooding. RefuGIS works with the Innovation Lab to bring ideas to life and create prototypes of refugee-designed solutions. All data collected by the team is shared with UNHCR and relevant stakeholders.
Made in Za'atari Center
The Made in Za’atari Center, launched by UNHCR and Blumont in 2019 and handed over to the community in 2024, provides women with training, career counseling, and mentoring support to build skills that can enhance their workforce participation and translate to new sources of income. Training sessions include soap and jewelry-making workshops as well as sessions on business management and marketing. To ensure women’s products can compete in the market, the Blumont team provided digital marketing support as well as sponsored artisans’ participation in local bazaars and trade fairs across Jordan.
