Lightbulb Learner
AZRAQ REFUGEE CAMP
Northern Jordan
The camp was developed for Refugees of the Syrian Civil War by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in conjunction with the Government of Jordan. It opened in April 2014 and is operated by UNHCR. Azraq Refugee Camp was designed to house 80 000 refugees but to date only about
20 000 live here. In April 2015, 80% of the 630 000 Syrian refugees were living outside the camps.
A year after opening, Aid agencies opened a sports compound, a women's gym and a computer room to help combat boredom in this 'holding facility' as it is described by Kilian Kleinschmidt, former camp director of Zaatari.
"Some lessons learned in Zaatari were applied to Azraq," he said. However, for whatever reason, authorities have decided "not to promote decision-making and the creativity of people" at Azraq.
LEFT: Collecting water. UK aid and UNICEF funded the pumping and purifying of underground water for the Camp inhabitants.
:AP Photo/Raad Adayleh, April 2015
AZRAQ Refugee Camp- Jordon
AZRAQ refugee camp in Jordan, is a thoughtfully planned, well equipped camp with plenty of space awaiting refugees. The reasons the camp has not experienced the influx expected include isolation, harsh climate, unreliable power, and the prospect of 'dying of boredom'. How can this huge resource best be utilized for the well-being of desperate Syrian refugees?
This FUTURE LEARNING SPACE project will progressively seek to present some solutions to the 'too hard basket' issues of Syrian refugees in Jordan.
Syrian refugee children play football near the Azraq camp in northern Jordan, Feb 2017. Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID
Nemer and his family fled Syria
Azraq camp- a place of refuge
Their neighbourhood was shelled at night while they were asleep. "We took the children and we left with nothing. Without clothes, without anything. We fled towards the desert."
They walked for 30km until they were given a lift to the Jordanian border.
At Azraq Camp they received safetty, provisions and shelter.
"The most important thing is our children’s education. For the kids to go back to school and for the situation to get better. They can go to school every day here."
Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID 2 Feb 2017
Nemer and his family outside their hut in Azraq Camp
"At least here we are safe."
Nemer's family is supported by UNHCR
Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID 2 Feb, 2017
Marketplace
Azraq Camp
Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID 2 Feb, 2017
Yasser, his wife Bahryeh and three sons
-outside their one room shelter, Azraq Camp
Yassar and his family arrived in Azraq in April 2016 after being displaced for over three years in Syria, moving three times to escape fighting. Their son has a medical condition requiring ongoing attention. Yasser was a barber at home, but has received training as an electrical engineer in Azraq, where he connects shelters to power. He hopes to open a barber shop in Jordan.
UNHCR grants families cash assistance for living costs, enabling some independence in ongoing crisis situations.
Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID, 2 Feb 2017
Improved conditions for Azraq Camp
SOLAR POWER
The lack of electricity at Azraq Camp necessitating frequent walks to the supermarket in hot sun because of no refrigeration and sleepless nights in hot stuffy shelters, is a thing of the past. As of 17 May, 2017 a new solar plant, funded by IKEA Foundation's Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign is now switched on, bringing renewable energy to 20 000 refugees. Now each family can access a fridge, fan and light and recharge mobile phones- essential for contact with relatives elsewhere.
UNHCR- Azraq, the world's first camp powered by renewable energy,17 May 2017
Camp supermarket where camp residents purchase supplies with a monthly cash allowance.
Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID Feb 2017
