Transforming lives through education
Who: Amala Education
What: Expanding hope for refugee youth in Jordan through transformative secondary education
Where: Jordan
Project period: 2025-2026
About the project
This project will create life-changing opportunities for 100 out-of-school refugee youth in Amman, Jordan, by enabling them to complete secondary education through Amala’s Global Secondary Diploma (GSD) the only accredited upper secondary education programme tailored for refugee and crisis-affected youth. Over a 15-month intensive programme, students aged 16-25, unable to access formal education due to age and personal challenges, will complete ten courses, develop a Personal Interest Project, and receive tailored support for their educational and career aspirations. Participants will include refugees from Iraq, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
The need is urgent, research shows that only 25% of Syrian refugees aged 16-18 are enrolled in secondary school, with even lower rates for other nationalities. Using an innovative, project-based learning model, the GSD combines subjects like economics, science, social entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership to equip students with skills for personal growth, societal impact, and employment. Flexible delivery, blending in-person sessions with independent study, accommodates students’ responsibilities, such as family support.
Amala’s educators, drawn from local Jordanian and refugee communities, provide weekly one-to-one support and undertake a 15-month professional development course to enhance their teaching skills. A comprehensive support package, including transportation, refreshments, learning materials, laptops, and internet access, removes student barriers to participation.
The GSD’s impact extends beyond education: within two years, 40% of alumni are expected to access higher education (compared to the 7% global refugee average), and 80% will pursue entrepreneurial ventures or employment. Students will also launch at least ten community initiatives and report improved mental health, self-esteem, and purpose. Accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the GSD bridges students to higher education, careers, and leadership opportunities, offering hope and agency to build a better future.
About the organization
Amala: Transforming lives through education
Amala addresses the urgent need for high-quality post-primary education for refugee youth, with only 41% accessing secondary education and just 7% reaching higher education globally. Inspired by the Arabic word for ‘hope’, Amala transforms the lives of refugee youth, their communities, and the world through education, enabling young people to realise their dreams and drive positive change.
Amala’s programmes ensure that refugee youth can access education that unlocks their potential:
● The Global Secondary Diploma is the world’s first internationally accredited secondary education programme tailored for refugees, offering a flexible, accelerated pathway to complete their education.
● Changemaker Courses equip youth with critical skills in peacebuilding, ethical leadership, social entrepreneurship, and digital literacy—key for sustainable livelihoods and leadership.
Programmes are co-created with refugee youth, centering their voices and experiences. Amala has reached over 4,700 refugee youth in 11 countries to date.
