The First International Symposium on Post-Primary Education for Refugees

Photo: Viola Krebs

Project at a glance

Dates and Place

18 - 19 September 2002, Geneva, Switzerland
Graduate Institute for Development Studies (IUED)

Organizers

The Refugee Education Trust (RET) and a steering committee composed of representatives from CARE, Education International, IRC, JRS, LWF, Windle Trust/Hugh Pilkington Charitable Trust, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF and IUED.

Participants

Experts on refugees and/or education from NGOs, governments, international organizations, research institutions, the media and the corporate sector.

Project details

There are at least 1,5 million refugee children aged 12-17 in developing countries today. Only 3% of them have access to education. Yet their generation will be called on to lead their war-torn societies tomorrow.

Objectives

To reaffirm the urgent need for more and better post-primary education for refugees.
To exchange information and experience and enhance co-operation.
To improve our knowledge of post-primary education for refugees.
To take stock of good practices and recommend practical measures.

Eight thematic workshops were held by expert speakers. Participants were invited to share good practice and formulate practical recommendations. Topics: Statistics, in emergencies, returnees and reconstruction, gender, life skills and conflict prevention, vocational training, and distance learning and ICT.

The Honorary Guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand as well as Ms. Mary Ann Wyrsch, the Deputy UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

External links

http://www.RefugeeEducationTrust.org

Volunteering Opportunities

15 ICVolunteers filled the following roles:

Reception and welcoming of delegates
Distribution of badges and delegate folders
Simultaneous interpretation English-French and French-English
Distribution of headphones and microphones
Photo coverage of all the sessions (both digital and traditional)

Posted: 2002-9-29 Updated: 2006-8-13

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