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Marwa Smiling

We have 2,030 children waiting for an education – help us put them in class

For four years, Alsama has been transforming the lives of our 880 students, empowering women, and shaking up refugee education worldwide. We’re just getting started. Will you help us keep going?
Why your support matters

We're empowering the next generation of leaders

Education isn’t our end goal. It’s a means to allowing a generation of refugee teenagers to pursue their dreams, build a life for themselves, and fulfil their potential.

Our radical approach to refugee education beats all the odds: we eradicate illiteracy and innumeracy in under six months, and compress a standard 12-year education into just six.

But it’s not about what our students learn at Alsama, it’s about what they achieve afterwards. Some aspire to be doctors, others to start businesses or become community leaders.

What they all share is their extraordinary potential.

What do our students think?
Marwa Nour Roof
Education centres Cricket Social Enterprises
Where your donations go

Award-winning education
at 79% of the cost

We’re laser-focused on transforming the life trajectories of young refugees in the most efficient way possible. With rented facilities and a small HQ in Shatila refugee camp, we stay capital-light and keep costs to a minimum. That’s how we’re able to deliver our world-class education for just 79% of the UN global average for refugees.

Our no-frills approach maximises the impact of every donation. Over 90% of funds go directly into our students’ education. And with 96% of our staff being local or refugees themselves, our staff costs represent a direct investment in our community.

With 2,030 children on our waiting list, will you help?

91%

goes directly to our students
Staff, 64%
Learning materials, 15%
Facilities, 12%
HQ & Support, 9%

91%

goes straight to playing cricket
Staff, 45%
Program expenses (facilities, equipment, transport), 46%
HQ & Support, 9%

100%

profits go to refugee women
Staff, 51%
Direct cost (materials), 49%
Ways to Give

Donor Advised Funds

Afraa Smiling at Desk

Donor Advised Funds

We are always open to donations via donor-advised funds. Please get in touch with us!

Questions? We're here to help.

Get in touch
Testimonials

Meet the staff + students who make up the Alsama community

“Alsama means a lot to me—it’s where I can truly be myself, surrounded by friends who understand me. It’s where I grow, learn, and build my future.”
Fatima
Year 5 Student, Shatila 1
Fatima Classroom Portrait
“What I love about Alsama are the principles of commitment, collaboration, and ambition. I believe everyone has the potential to change and positively impact their community, but they need support and encouragement. I find that support at Alsama.”
Oula
Student Arabic Tutor, Shatila 1
Oula headshot
“Alsama represents everything positive in my life. It is where I feel peace and safety, and it symbolizes my bright future. Alsama is not just a place to me—it feels like my second home”
Esra
Student Studio Worker, Alsama Studio
Esra Profile
“I am proud to be part of Alsama.”
Youssra
Supervisor, Shatila 1
Youssra Profile
“Alsama is a big family that supports students' mothers. Alsama has empowered women, helped them become financially independent, and helped reduce early marriage and child labour”
Zeinab
Director, Alsama Studio
Zeinab Studio Profile
“I'm proud to be the Head of Alsama's Language School. Alsama taught me to read and write, and now my mission is to teach others. Join me!”
Mariam
Head Tutor, Alsama Language School
Mariam Profile
Nour Zaqzaq Profile
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“ What I love most about Alsama is the support from both students and teachers, encouraging us to keep going and never give up.”
Nour
Student Welcomer, Shatila 1
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Louay Profile
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“ What I love most about Alsama is cricket. Cricket isn’t just a sport here; it’s a way to build skills, form friendships, and grow as a player and a person.”
Louay
Student Cricket Coach, Shatila 1
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“People here come from war and violence. I want them to experience the power of yoga - how it can help your mind and body in the tough situations we live in.”
Nabila
Yoga Coordinator, Shatila 1
Nabila headshot
“I love being a coach because it allows me to help children develop and progress faster, while also gaining experience as both a player and a coach.”
Nabil
Cricket Coach, Shatila 1
Nabil Profile
“It is the spark in the eyes of the students which motivates me everyday to aim higher.”
Hiba
Director, Shatila 1
Hiba Profile
“What I love about Alsama is the employability or 'life skills' subject, which has equipped me with essential abilities like logical reasoning, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills I use every day.”
Marwa
Year 5 Student, Shatila 1
Marwa headshot
“At Alsama, I’ve always enjoyed helping my classmates when they face challenges. I believe teamwork means drawing strength from one another. That’s what leadership is to me: empowering others to succeed.”
Afraa
Student Welcomer, Shatila 1
Afraa Profile
“Alsama is like oxygen to me—it’s the family I’ve been missing. My special moments are when Ms. Meike and Ms. Kadria, after a long day, take time to sit together and discuss ways to support and improve students' learning.”
Aziza
Cleaner, HQ
Im Abdullah Profile
“Everything we do is with the objective of what will help the students the most because with education we can build societies.”
Amjad
Director, Bourj 1
Amjad Profile
“I love sharing Alsama's powerful stories with the world in order to make a change. Everyday is different from the other and listening to others stories has taught me so much.”
Nour
Student Comms Officer, Shatila 1
Nour al Issa Profile
Ali Ayoub Profile
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“ I am committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where education transforms the lives of refugee youth, equipping them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities”
Ali
Director, Shatila 2
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We have 2,030 children on our waiting list. Help us open our fifth education centre.

Donate now

New horizons for refugee teenagers.

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Alsama provides refugee teenagers in the Middle East with a world-class education, while transforming refugee education worldwide.

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Explore
What we do
How your donations are used
64% Staff
15% Learning materials
12% Facilities
9% HQ & Support
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Alsama Project is registered in the United Kingdom as a charity, no. 1191810. In Lebanon, Alsama Project is registered as an non-governmental, charitable organisation with the Ministry of Interior, registration no. 372/2021. In the US, Alsama Project is registered as a 501(c)3 organisation, registration no. 87-1842640.