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Refugee education, done differently better.
Our education centres fast-track refugee and displaced teenagers from illiteracy to university or skilled employment in just six years.
Of the 43 million displaced young people worldwide,
only 37% attend secondary school
The majority of young refugees have never set foot in a classroom. They are either missing critical paperwork, or lack the proof of skills required to join secondary schools. As a result, they are entirely excluded from formal education. In Lebanon, the problem is stark.
Refugees in Lebanon never attend school
Most of our students arrive illiterate in Arabic, unable to speak English or to use any Maths. We teach them to read, write, add and subtract in under six months.
Syrian refugee girls marry before 18
Syrian refugee girls have the highest rates of early marriage in the region. Working with girls - and their parents - Alsama offers an education instead.
Subjected to child labour
This affects Syrian refugees from as young as four. Some collect rubbish on the street, others work in bakeries or do manual labour. We provide an alternative.
We have 2,030 children on our waiting list. Help us open our fifth education centre.
Transforming life trajectories
We run education centres for the young refugees that are being left behind.
Young refugees and displaced youth are excluded from most formal and informal schools, so we give them a place to learn. We currently have four education centres across two refugee camps in Lebanon. We offer an intense education, delivered in a close-knit community of students, and by majority-refugee staff and volunteers.
- 220 students per centre, 65% girls
- 4-7 hours a day, 44 weeks a year
- 96% local or refugee staff and volunteers
We provide 12 years of schooling in six.
In just six years, we help students catch up with their peers who’ve been through formal primary and secondary schooling. Our programme is skills-focused and fast-paced, designed for whole child development.
- Core subjects of English, Arabic and Maths
- Skills-based subjects of IT, Science, Logical Reasoning and Professionalism
- Complemented by lessons in Art, Music, Yoga and Awareness
We establish rapid literacy and numeracy in under six months.
When students arrive, 90% are illiterate and innumerate. Through our unique programme, co-created with our students themselves, we rapidly establish literacy and numeracy in under six months. Our approach is proven to work – in 2024, we were recognised by the Library of Congress Literacy Award for innovation in rapid literacy.
- Illiteracy eradicated in under six months
- 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award
We provide a pathway to higher education and skilled employment.
An Alsama education provides a direct pathway to enter university and skilled employment. Our comprehensive programme equips students with the academic, intellectual and personal skills expected by universities and employers, and our G12++ certificate allows them to prove their abilities.
- Students graduate ready for university or employment
- G12++ certificate allows them to prove their skills
Developing the whole child
At Alsama, we believe in whole-child development. Our extra-curricular activities are designed to give students the chance to explore new skills, express themselves, and take on leadership roles.
Our students participate in a wide variety of activities, each aimed at helping them grow as individuals and leaders. These include:
Music: Group musicality classes and weekly one-on-one instrumental lessons, covering instruments such as piano, derbake (Lebanese drum), violin, and oud, and working towards real grades.
Art: Group lessons and art exhibitions in Shatila camp. Students have even had their work displayed in a London gallery.
Yoga: The classes – often student-led – provide peace and grounding for the day ahead.
Further student and volunteer-led activities, such as chess clubs, coding workshops and public speaking.
"Alsama gave me the tools to follow my dreams.”
When I was seven, ISIS forced me to wear the niqab. I was told that young marriage was my only future. But I didn’t want that. I wanted an education, and Alsama gave me the tools to continue my studies. I learned how to think critically and to convince my family to support my decision to study. I’ve proven to my community that women have an important role to play in society beyond just having children.
Now, with my family’s support, I’m determined to pursue my dreams. My goal is to complete university with a degree in Business Management, start my own business, and return to Syria to help rebuild it.
"Alsama helped me grow and build a new life.”
My name is Abed. I’m from Syria, from a village called Deir-es-Zor. When I moved to Lebanon in 2016, I had to work in a tobacco shop to help my family. Then one day, my cousin told me about Alsama, and I asked my parents if I could get an education too. They were worried at first, but agreed because they saw that my cousin could speak English and was succeeding in his studies. The first day at Alsama was difficult because I didn’t know anything.
But Alsama helped me grow and build a new life. My dream now is to become a businessman, to support charities and help children – both girls and boys.
"Alsama opened a door for me to a brighter future.”
Before Alsama, I had a difficult life. I had to work from a young age to support my family, and I was told I should get married by the time I was 14. I never went to school, and I didn’t have the chance to live a normal childhood. But when I moved to Lebanon, I found Alsama, and everything changed. I discovered the importance of education, and through Awareness sessions, I realised how early marriage had affected my life. At Alsama, I also found new interests, like playing the piano and chess.
After I finish my studies, I want to become an international cricket player and return to Syria to share the game there. I want others to have the same opportunity to dream that I did at Alsama.
"At Alsama, I gained a vision for my future.”
I first came to Lebanon in 2014 because of the war that destroyed my hometown. I didn’t have access to education, and I struggled to find stability. In 2020, I found Alsama, and my life started to change. I became proficient in English within a year and gained valuable skills like leadership and writing. Alsama gave me the confidence to face challenges and set clear goals for my future.
When I earn my G12++ certificate, I plan to study Economics or Business at university. My dream is to empower women in my community through projects and education, and I also want to open a small school to help children learn.
"Alsama gave me the strength to change my life.”
Before Alsama, my life was chaotic. I had no chance to go to school or think about my future. I felt weak and couldn’t express myself. But when I entered Alsama, everything changed. I grew stronger, gained confidence, and turned down two marriage proposals.
I also discovered my passion for the derbaké (Lebanese drum). Alsama became a special place for me because of the collaboration and encouragement I received. In the future, I want to become a professional cricket coach and prove to my society that women can lead.
Committed to learning
no matter what
War should never strip a child of their opportunity to learn and pursue their ambitions. We do everything in our power to keep our doors open, even in times of conflict. For the times when that’s not possible, we’ve developed three learning approaches, so that no student is ever left behind.
Standard model
Full-time classroom experience in one of our education centres.
Online stop-gap model
Virtual learning via WhatsApp when physical centres are inaccessible. Students are provided with SIM cards and data plans, allowing them to continue their studies remotely.
Travelling model
Reaching students in shelters and informal spaces, providing basic literacy and numeracy education on site.
Shatila 1
- Years found: 2020
- 214 students, girls: 64%
Shatila 2
- Years found: 2023
- 195 students, girls: 70%
Bourj 1
- Years found: 2021
- 206 students, girls: 63%
Bourj 2
- Years found: 2024
- 186 students, girls: 58%
Students supported to overcome illiteracy
Hours of education provided since 2020
Students believe they receive a high-quality education
Students offered scholarships to schools in the UK and UAE
We have 2,030 children on our waiting list. Help us open our fifth education centre.
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%
We have an ambitious plan
Education centres opened by 2027
Students in attendance by 2027
Students overcoming illiteracy and innumeracy within 6 months
Graduates gaining a university place, vocational training or skilled employment
New horizons for refugee teenagers.
Alsama provides refugee teenagers in the Middle East with a world-class education, while transforming refugee education worldwide.
Keep up to date with our progress
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.