The COVID-19 outbreak has ignited a major education crisis, exacerbating the risk that inequalities in education will further increase. The closure of schools, universities, technical and vocational training institutes has also affected refugee learners and students. In these challenging times, displaced and refugee students are at a particular disadvantage and there is a risk that progress in increased enrollment may be eroded. While some countries have quickly rolled out digital learning programs, many regions do not have the means and technical infrastructure to do so, and additional challenges to continuous learning exist.

In this interactive conference organized by UNHCR and Kiron, which is part of the German Federal Foreign Office’s Digital Long Night of Ideas, the panellists will examine the impact of the COVID-19 on refugee education as one key protection area, and will highlight good practices from different countries through which refugees and their hosts enjoy continued access to education.

The event will set the scene for the "Amplify now – Virtual Refugee Conference” on World Refugee Day (20.6.2020) organized by Kiron – an educational platform for refugees worldwide - and create the links to experts who are working on education and refugee protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Breakout session:

With a special focus on the participation of refugee students and UNHCR staff and partners at the country level, breakout sessions will allow attendees to participate in in-depth discussions and Q&A with the panellists.

Session 1 - Jordan

This breakout session will present these good practices of investment in Higher Connected Education opportunities in Jordan.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lj4rVBCnScCg-jVYTCPMHg

Session 2 - West Africa

This breakout session will discuss how the education emergency response can work in a low-tech environment.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EBEysAuzQDm0-WdE-LW58Q

Session 3 - East and Southern Africa

This session will look at how investments like the INS were leveraged for COVID-19 responses, and what plans are underway to continue to utilize these centres to support catch-up programs as schools reopen.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IQYFadM5QkuviHm68RLOOA

Session 4 - Germany

This breakout session will discuss the opportunities provided by Germany’s VET system with regard to the (further) development of the skills and competencies of refugees and asylum-seekers, drawing upon one of many examples of dedicated private sector engagement. The session will shed light on the preconditions for successful and sustainable qualification and employment and touch upon the impact of COVID-19.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JocyrQ7eQuKUWV08vmjTVA

This session may be live-streamed and recorded. 

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