Syria Crisis - Protection for Youth in Jordan - Mercy Corps 2017-2019

November 2016 – With the Syrian conflict in its sixth year and the security situation in Iraq continuing to deteriorate Jordan has seen a constant increase in the number of refugees seeking asylum on its territory. Jordan now hosts over 650 000 Syrian refugees and more than 58 000 Iraqis; a total equal to nearly 10% of the country’s population. Four-fifths of registered refugees are living in urban areas among Jordanians creating additional burdens on the public sector and the local economy. Urban refugees are struggling to meet needs related to rent food health shelter work clothes education and items for children while the needs of vulnerable Jordanians have risen in parallel as increased competition for resources strains the Jordanian government’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens. With GAC’s support Mercy Corps is supporting up to 25 719 vulnerable Jordanian and Syrian youth through the development of positive social networks safe spaces increased community engagement and increased livelihoods opportunities. Project activities include: (1) establishing three central and accessible Community Action Hubs; (2) recruiting and training local community members to make up Community Based Protection Networks; (3) delivering life skills workshops and vocational skills training to youth; and (4) facilitating a private sector apprenticeship program for youth.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to safe spaces for girls and boys; (2) improved understanding of protection issues and referral mechanisms throughout the community; (3) improved psychosocial well-being for adolescents and youth; and (4) improved ability to enter the workforce for adolescents and youth. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or that are food insecure.