Amman, March 27 (Petra) – The Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) has launched a specialized program to strengthen psychosocial support practices in schools within Syrian refugee camps in Jordan.

The initiative is part of the "Supporting Higher Education for Syrian Refugees and Vulnerable Jordanian Youth" project, managed by the German Jordanian University and funded by the European Union. It aims to empower educators in Zaatari and Azraq camps, including teachers, principals, assistant principals, educational counselors, and Syrian teaching assistants, to address educational challenges during crises.

The program focuses on equipping participants with the skills needed to create safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments tailored to the specific needs of each school. It also provides specialized training to help educators support students in managing anxiety and stress, fostering positive adaptation to changing educational settings, and implementing effective cognitive and behavioral strategies for crisis management at the school level.

Building on the Academy’s experience in psychosocial support, the initiative draws from the success of the "Psychological Coping Skills in Times of Crisis and Emergencies" program, introduced in Jordanian public schools in 2020 with approval from the Ministry of Education.

An external impact study confirmed the effectiveness of this approach in improving the mental health and social well-being of both students and teachers, positioning it as a model for crisis-affected educational settings.

CEO of the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Osama Obeidat, highlighted the program’s commitment to supporting educators and students in challenging environments. "Enhancing psychosocial support in schools is crucial in empowering teachers and students to overcome obstacles and achieve positive educational outcomes. Through this initiative, we aim to equip school leaders, counselors, and teachers with essential tools and strategies to build safer and more sustainable learning environments," he said.

Diaa Abu Teir, Project Director of the Syrian Education Program, expressed appreciation for QRTA’s efforts, emphasizing the program's positive impact on education in refugee camps. He underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening psychosocial support, enabling teachers and students to navigate challenges effectively.

//Petra// AJ

27/03/2025 14:23:43