GIRLS' EDUCATION MATTERS (GEM)
Inspiration
My future learning space is inspired by the brave, courageous and determined young women of the Zaatari Refugee Camp. Girls like Muzzon, fondly referred to as the 'Malala of Syria', Fatimah and Nesrine. Girls who were forced to flee their country of birth, their home, their friends and everything they held dear. These girls who have lost so much and experienced firsthand the heartbreak of war yet still see the value of education. In the words of Muzzon,
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“Education is important to me because I know that with education I am strong. I am aware of what is happening around me, I won’t be dependent on society, I will be independent and society can depend on me as an educated person.”
What is Girls' Education Matters (GEM)?
GEM is a learning space within the Zaatari Camp that provides girls with a safe place to gather informally with other girls. GEM allows girls to continue their education offering peer tutoring and also offers opportunities for girls to learn new skills that aren't taught in the Zaatari Camp schools. GEM places a strong emphasis on team sport, developing creativity, technology skills and giving girls a safe haven where they can gather to share their stories and be heard. It is hoped that GEM gives girls hope to follow their dreams.
The Research
Children who have a basic eduacation will provide a better future for their families and countries. With improved education, so many other areas are positively affected. In short, education has the power to make the world a better place.
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According to World Vision, education gives girls the potential to earn better wages, raise healthier and more educated children, and have a voice in her community.
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An extra year of primary school education boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10–20 per cent. An extra year of secondary school adds 15–25 per cent.
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Education is associated with increased contraception use, less underage premarital sex and lower HIV/AIDS risks.
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When a girl in the developing world receives seven years of education, she marries four years later and has 2.2 fewer children.
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Women invest 90 per cent of their income in their households, as opposed to men’s 30-40 per cent, leading to healthier, better educated children and families.
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Women’s labor force participation can lead to reduced poverty, greater political participation, increased agency and assertion of their rights at the household and community levels.
Why Gem?
The many benefits of educating girls is wide reaching yet the number of girls who are not attending school in the Zaatari Camp remains high. As discussed in the Context page about Zaatari Camp, there are many different reasons why girls drop out of school. The role of GEM is to entice these girls to continue their education by offering an alternative to what is already available.​ GEM is concerned with overcoming the hurdles that stop girls from continuing their education. Providing flexible programs that allow girls to attend when they aren't required to be helping at home or working. Offering peer support systems that pick up girls ensuring that they arrive at GEM safely. Providing tutoring to help girls achieve basic literacy and numeracy levels and offering workshops which teach new skills.
How Does GEM work?
GEM meets daily Monday to Friday. There are two sessions each day. Those students attending formal school in the morning are welcome to attend the afternoon sessions.
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Available at all GEM sessions:
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tutoring with supervisors and peers
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computers and tablets available for use
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one group physical activity (soccer, softball, volleyball)
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tending the vegetable gardens
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art materials available for use
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library offering a wide selection of books in both English and Arabic
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GEM will also provide special workshops each session. These sessions will include -
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Technology skills including how to use word processing programs and setting up personal blogs to write about their time in the Zaatari Camp.
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Photography classes including how to take a great photo on a phone and setting up an instagram account.
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Art classes
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Craft workshops including sewing, crochet, knitting, doll making.
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Bookclub, discussing books they have read and recommending other books.
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Sport tournaments
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Career planning and workplace readiness
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Workshops that focus on building self-confidence
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Dance, drama and singing workshops
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The Goals of GEM
It is hoped that as a result of girls being involved in the GEM program they will:
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develop self-confidence
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extend their interpersonal skills
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be comfortable working as part of a team
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have the necessary skills, confidence and motivation to continue their education or find a job
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make friends and develop networks of support
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give purpose and meaning to their days while inhabiting the liminal space of the Zaatari Camp.
The Where of GEM?
GEM will be housed in a large 'caravan' in the Zaatari Camp. Ideally there would be a mini bus that could pick up girls that live in the districts that are a substantial distance from the GEM base. GEM will be within walking distance to the one of the Camp's sporting fields. The GEM learning space will be open plan with areas that are suitable for collaborative learning, individual learning spaces and informal gathering space. There will be a comfortable reading area with a selection of books available to borrow. Computers and iPads will be accessible to students.
The Who of GEM
GEM will be staffed by trained teachers and will also rely on young girls such as Muzzon for peer tutoring and mentoring. Girls such as Muzzon, Fatimah and Nesrine all see the value of education and wish for other girls of the Zaatari camp not to see marriage as their only option for the future. The community of Zaatari has many educated females who feel strongly about all girls having the chance to learn. The tutors would help to identify girls that would benefit from GEM, accompany girls to and from GEM sessions and offer tutoring and mentoring during GEM sessions.
