What is the role of education partnerships in global crises?

Higher education learning spaces in protracted refugee settings are explored in a 2017 public lecture by Dr Jen Couch. Even though education has been added to the humanitarian responses of food, shelter and health, higher education remains significantly under represented and accessed (UNHCR, 2016).

Couch (2017) acknowledges the barriers to higher education in refugee camps: statelessness, perceived drains on resources and a narrative of victimisation. She counters these with an approach that recognises the capabilities of people, gives agency to refugees and transference of power so that partnerships drive decisions and future programs.

Throughout, the power of the narrative is explored. The camp narrative that refugees are victims reinforces and perpetuates the cycle of welfare. When people spend significant time in camps the narrative becomes internalised and they live to the expectations of others, control is taken away, choice is removed and power belongs to those who fund (Couch, 2017). They become refugees.

Can the cycle be broken?

Reference is made to camp initiatives that have seen successful primary and secondary programs develop. A theme emerges - partnership. Recognising human capacities and encouraging action, social solutions change the narrative from victim to empowerment. A ‘top down’ mandate replaced by a ‘bottom up’ partnership is possible.

In storying the experiences of higher education in protracted camps through voice and images, Couch (2017) adds to persuasive arguments for community involvement, partnerships and inclusive programs as a response to displacement (Penson & Tomlinson, 2009; HEART, 2016).

A respondent poses a simple question “Why don’t we ask them what they want?”

Listen to Dr Jen Couch

Explore partnerships and initiatives at Teachers Without Borders

References

Couch, J. (2017). Public lecture – The refugees paradox: Is higher education possible in protracted refugee settings? Retrieved from http://cayr.info/public-lecture-and-workshop-2017/

HEART. (2016). Helpdesk report: The role of education in contributing to safety and well-being in conflict settings. Retrieved from http://www.heart-resources.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Education-for-safety-and-well-being-in-conflict-settings-HEART-Helpdesk-1.pdf?x30250

Penson & Tomlinson, (2009). Rapid response: Programming for education needs in emergencies. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001815/181568e.pdf

UNHCR. (2016). UNHCR reports crisis in refugee education. Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/afr/news/press/2016/9/57d7d6f34/unhcr-reports-crisis-refugee-education.html