Displacement and refugee impact on education is one of the most pressing global crises, affecting millions of students worldwide. In 2018, approximately 25 people were displaced every minute, with a total of 13 million forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution, according to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This staggering statistic highlights the deep impact of displacement and refugee crises on education. Entire classrooms have been emptied, with students forced to abandon their studies, often leading to alternative paths that may be harmful or exploitative.
This article explores how displacement disrupts education, the psychological and social effects on students, and practical solutions to ensure sustainable learning opportunities.
Challenges in Education for Refugees and Displaced People
For Syrian refugees and other displaced communities, access to education has been one of the most pressing challenges in host countries.
Multiple obstacles have hindered students from returning to school and continuing their academic journey.
Language Barriers
One of the biggest challenges facing displaced students is the language barrier. Many find themselves in host countries where the education system operates in a language unfamiliar to them. Without proficiency in the local language, adapting to the curriculum becomes overwhelming and time-consuming.
According to Turkey’s Ministry of National Education (MoNE), as of the 2021-2022 academic year, there were approximately 1.1 million Syrian children of school age (5-17) under temporary protection in Turkey. Of these, 35% remained out of school, facing challenges such as language barriers, economic hardships.
Lack of Resources
Displaced populations, especially those within conflict zones like Syria, face extreme shortages in educational resources. Many schools have been damaged or destroyed by bombings and military clashes, leaving thousands of students without a proper learning environment.
Even in refugee-hosting countries where schools are available, the economic strain on refugee families forces many children out of school. Parents often prioritize survival over education, either because they cannot afford school supplies or because young boys are pushed into the labor force to support their families.
Educational initiatives, such as Masarat, play a crucial role in filling this gap by providing flexible learning programs that enable displaced students to continue their education despite their circumstances.
Interrupted Education
Many displaced students experience long periods of academic disruption due to forced migration. Frequent movement, trauma from war, and unstable living conditions contribute to significant learning gaps, making it difficult for children to rejoin the school system at the appropriate level.
To address this, organizations like Masarat have developed customized educational programs designed to help displaced students catch up academically and reintegrate into learning environments more smoothly.
Frequent Relocation and Instability
The reality of temporary displacement forces families to move from one town to another, or from one refugee camp to the next. This constant instability makes it nearly impossible for children to maintain consistent schooling.
Even when parents try to enroll their children in school, frequent relocations disrupt their studies and create gaps in their education, affecting their academic progress and mental well-being.
Lack of Official Documentation
Most schools require students to submit official documents such as identification papers, academic records, and certificates to enroll. However, for many refugees, these documents are either lost, destroyed, or left behind during their hurried escape from war zones.
Many families fled with only the clothes on their backs—either escaping bombings, collapsed buildings, or armed conflicts—leaving behind crucial paperwork. Others who managed to carry their documents often lost them while crossing dangerous borders and seas.
Without proper documentation, displaced children face administrative barriers that prevent them from continuing their education.
How Displacement Affects the Psychological and Social Well-Being of Students؟
When people flee their country due to war, they often believe that survival means their struggles are over. However, they carry with them the emotional weight of trauma, fear, and loss, which affects every aspect of their lives—including their education.
The psychological impact of displacement goes beyond the visible scars of war. It shapes daily routines, social interactions, and most importantly, a child’s ability to reintegrate into the education system. Many displaced students face severe emotional distress, leading to social withdrawal, learning difficulties, and deep-seated fears caused by the harsh experiences they have endured. Some may even abandon education entirely due to the overwhelming psychological burden.
Learning and Academic Performance
Mental Health and Emotional Stability
Refugee and displaced students are highly susceptible to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Forced displacement disrupts emotional stability, leaving many struggling with poor concentration, frequent distractions, and difficulty processing new information. They may appear physically present in class, but their minds often wander to painful memories.
Decline in Academic Performance
Psychological distress and social pressures negatively impact a student’s ability to learn. Many face challenges in comprehension and retention, leading to lower academic performance and difficulty keeping up with schoolwork.
Social Adaptation and Communication
Building relationships in a new educational environment can be difficult for displaced students. Feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and fear of rejection often prevent them from engaging with peers. Some exhibit extreme shyness, separation anxiety from their parents, or excessive nervousness in simple interactions. Others struggle with trust issues or lack interest in social activities, making it harder to integrate into their new school setting.
Increased School Dropout Rates
Many displaced students drop out of school due to a combination of unstable living conditions, economic hardships, and emotional distress. Instead of pursuing education, some are forced into child labor to help support their families.
Behavioral Challenges and Classroom Discipline
For some students, psychological distress manifests in behavioral issues. Aggression, social withdrawal, and disruptive behavior are common reactions to unresolved trauma. These challenges not only affect their own learning but also impact classroom dynamics.
Lack of Psychological and Educational Support
Many refugee students lack adequate mental health support. Without counseling services or trauma-informed education, they struggle to process their experiences, affecting their self-confidence and motivation to learn.
Language Barriers and Learning Difficulties
For students relocated to foreign countries, language barriers further complicate their education. Without sufficient language support programs, many fall behind, widening the educational gap between them and their peers.
Limited Access to Recreational Activities
Safe play areas and recreational activities are essential for emotional well-being. However, displaced children often lack access to these resources, making it harder for them to cope with stress and trauma.
Recognizing these challenges, Masarat has implemented psychosocial support programs to help displaced Syrian students heal, adapt, and thrive. Through counseling sessions, mentorship programs, and student engagement activities, Masarat empowers students and their families to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.
Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Education
The challenges of displacement and refugee education require urgent, innovative solutions. Countries that have faced similar crises have developed sustainable education models, which can serve as inspiration for addressing these ongoing issues.
Here are some effective strategies to ensure accessible, high-quality education for displaced students:
1. Integrating Psychological and Social Support in Education
Education is more than just books and classrooms—it requires emotional and psychological well-being. Schools must implement counseling services, peer support programs, and trauma-informed teaching methods to help displaced students overcome past traumas and reintegrate into learning environments.
2. Creating a Stimulating Learning Environment
An engaging and interactive classroom can significantly improve learning outcomes leading to sustainability in education. Strategies such as project-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on activities help students develop critical thinking and social skills while reinforcing their academic knowledge.
3. Utilizing Technology to Bridge Educational Gaps
Digital platforms provide an opportunity for displaced students to continue their education from anywhere. Interactive learning apps, online courses, and virtual classrooms help students access educational resources and keep up with their studies, even in unstable environments.
4. Training Teachers to Support Refugee Students
Educators play a vital role in the academic and emotional rehabilitation of displaced students. Training teachers in trauma-informed teaching techniques, interactive learning methods, and personalized education approaches can significantly enhance student engagement and success.
5. Incorporating Sustainability Education into the Curriculum
By integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability topics into school curricula, students develop a global perspective and learn to contribute to long-term community solutions.
6. Encouraging Community Involvement
Community-based education programs encourage collaboration between schools, NGOs, and local leaders. Volunteer initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs help create a support system for displaced students.
7. Connecting Students with Industry Experts
Hosting guest speakers and mentorship sessions with professionals in sustainability, education, and community development inspires students to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to community peace.
Masarat serves as a hands-on example, actively working to implement these strategies by providing structured learning environments, mentorship programs, and access to digital education tools. Through these efforts, Masarat is helping displaced students regain their right to education and build a brighter future.
Successful Stories of Educating Displaced People
Education has proven to be the strongest tool for empowering individuals and guiding them toward a brighter future. At Masarat, we have witnessed numerous stories of resilience—stories filled with struggles, hope, and perseverance.
One of the most inspiring examples is the journey of Mona. Mona lived in a refugee camp under harsh conditions, experienced loss and separation, burdened with the responsibility of providing for her family. Despite these overwhelming challenges, she refused to let circumstances dictate her future.
After being out of school for ten years, Mona took her first steps toward reclaiming her education. With the help of Masarat’s programs, she completed her middle school education and is now preparing for her high school diploma.
Her story highlights the transformative power of education and the importance of initiatives that empower women through digital learning. Masarat provided the means, but it was their determination and the collective support that helped them succeed. This success reinforces the impact of investing in education as a tool for long-term change.
Masarat is the Best Initiative for Sustainable Development and Education in Syria
The journey of Masarat in promoting sustainable education in Syria has not been without challenges. Like any ambitious initiative, it has faced numerous obstacles. However, through the unwavering belief of its supporters, collaborative efforts, and a strong commitment to its vision, these challenges have been overcome.
Through financial and moral support, Masarat has been able to mobilize experts, educators, and mental health professionals, ensuring that education becomes a vehicle for rebuilding lives and communities.
Flexible Digital Education for Displaced Students
Masarat goes beyond providing basic education—it offers a flexible digital learning platform tailored to the needs of displaced and refugee students.
However, education alone is not enough. Many displaced students carry emotional scars from war and forced displacement. They need psychological and social support to overcome their past and focus on their future.
Comprehensive Psychological Support for Students
Recognizing the emotional toll of displacement, Masarat has assembled teams of mental health professionals dedicated to:
- Providing one-on-one and group counseling sessions
- Organizing recreational and therapeutic activities
- Offering guidance to help students choose academic and career paths
- Connecting students with informed mentors and consultants
Through these holistic efforts, Masarat has given thousands of displaced students a second chance at education and a renewed hope for the future.
Be a part of the change! Support Masarat’s mental health program and help 100 displaced students in Syria heal, learn, and thrive. Donate now.
