About Education for Humanity
Digital learning. In-person support. University credit.
Education for Humanity, in collaboration with on-the-ground partners, creates and implements relevant and integrative higher education programs with refugee communities around the world to foster community prosperity, social progress and inclusivity. Arizona State University meets refugee learners where they are and considers where they may be going. We offer a blended learning model that combines digital learning tools with in-person support through our partner organizations.
26mil
There are over 26 million refugees worldwide.
US Dept. of State 2020
20yrs
The average protracted refugee situation* lasts over 20 years.
UNHCR 2019
3%
Less than 3% of eligible refugees are enrolled in higher education courses.
UNHCR 2019
*The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a protracted refugee situation as one in which 25,000 or more refugees from the same nationality have been in exile for five or more years in a given asylum country.
Education for Humanity has served over 2,100 learners in 8 countries.
What we do
University preparation
For people whose experience has been predominantly in face-to-face classrooms, the skills required for online learning — like communicating virtually with instructors and creating a professional digital presence — can be challenging to master.
Our modules give students the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue online learning in a formal academic setting. Topics covered include time management, study skills, information literacy and academic integrity. Supplementary instruction in face-to-face classrooms helps to ensure learner success.
“I thought of myself as having enough knowledge as a digital citizen. But this course introduced me to new concepts, such as digital footprint, time management, life skills and many others.”
— Samir
Be a Successful Online Learner student, Beirut, Lebanon
Photo: © Marc Alan Sperber / ASU
Earned admissions
Refugees and host community members may not have the required documents or qualifications to enroll in a university degree program. Education for Humanity offers credit-bearing university courses that are available online and may serve as a bridge to enrollment at any university that accepts ASU credit.
“I decided to enroll in ASU’s Earned Admission program because it gives me an opportunity to go further with my studies. It has bridged the gap that had closed for me. After completing a university degree in banking or finance, I hope to work with NGOs providing education and financial support to refugees around the world.”
— Rachel
Earned Admissions student, Adjumani, Uganda
English language education
Many of our learners wish to learn English. English skills can have a strong effect on a person’s ability to find work locally, participate in MOOCs or online education programs designed for refugees, and access digital employment opportunities. Our Learn English Now courses help students gain valuable communication skills for personal, academic and business settings while creating the conditions for increased learner confidence.
“The ASU course really helped me in my study of English at high school, as I failed this subject last year and I’m repeating it now. I can feel the difference between now and before. I understand English very well now and many of the things included in the formal school material I already learned at ASU.”
— Mohammad
Learn English Now student, Azraq Refugee Camp, Jordan
“Some of my students have learned and corrected so much of their knowledge that they are now giving private English lessons from our material to their relatives and friends. It’s really a proud achievement.”
— Hassan
Learn English Now Facilitator, Irbid-Tahfeez, Jordan
Photo: © Marc Alan Sperber / ASU
Photo: © Marc Alan Sperber / ASU
Workforce skills
Whether they are employed in a traditional workplace or creating their own livelihood opportunities, refugees require 21st century technical skills to help them succeed and thrive. We determined areas of greatest need through conversations with our learners and partner organizations, as well as needs assessments conducted across camps, settlements and urban centers in the Middle East and East Africa, and developed courses in agribusiness and entrepreneurship based on our findings. We hope to augment this portfolio in the future to accommodate the ever-expanding desires of our learners and the demands of a changing global society.
“They got to know how they can predict prices in the market and how to specialize. We had an instance of a student saying they were dealing in three products, but now says he’s going to look into the market and what people like most is what he will focus on.”
— Mary
AGB250 Course Facilitator, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda