UniRef (University for Refugees),  the Swiss NGO engaged in education delivery strategies for refugees, is ramping up its drive to bring computer science programs to a larger number of refugees in Jordan.

UniRef has just announced the start of classes for 300 refugees in Computer Science delivered by an Ivy League University for the year 2023 in Amman.

This is a mere drop in the ocean as UniRef was besieged by over 3,000 applicants. The NGO has plans to take computer to a wider section of the refugees, as part of its belief that education is the most effective way to achieve world stability and to give young refugees a route to financial independence.

UniRef is participating in the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 13 to 15, which is attended by key global decision makers, leading NGOs, UN agencies, charity organisations and government bodies.

“This year, our students are undertaking the CS50 Professional Certificate in Web Programming, in classrooms provided by the Jordanian Red Crescent, and taught by local tutors. This program provides them with valuable computer science skills that could enhance their competitiveness in the job market,” said Yvelyne Wood, co-founder of UniRef, on the sidelines of DIHAD.

“UniRef is proud of this achievement which was made possible by generous donors and its various partners — the International Federation of the Red Cross represented by Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of Jordanian Red Crescent, and Dr. Amin Fawzi, Representative of the International Federation of the Red Crescent in the Gulf (IFRC).”

Over the last two years, despite the global pandemic, UniRef was able to provide higher education to 160 male and female refugee youths in Jordan by offering them access to different programs. All of them were able to receive a professional certificate recognized by the University of Jordan as well as the Ministry of Higher Education, which helped them find professional opportunities.

The UniRef program is intended for young war victims who could become a lost generation if they are not given the opportunity to fulfill their potential, and also equip them with skills to participate in the reconstruction of their country of origin or the economic development of their host country.

“As the UN recognizes education as a human right, UniRef is deeply committed to ensuring that there is ‘no lost generation’ among refugees,” said Yvelyne. “Through our presence in DIHAD we seek to reach out to a wider network of people to help us take education to the less fortunate people of the world.”

UniRef is a Swiss humanitarian non-governmental organization and a recognized charity, founded in 2013 by Yvelyne Wood and Bryan Wood, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The beneficiaries of the UniRef mission are Syrian refugees living in Jordan’s urban settings as well as Jordanians who are unable to cover their university costs.

According to UNHCR statistics, refugees stay on average between 7 and 15 years in refugee camps. Less than 3% of young refugees who are of studying age have access to university education.