EDU-SYRIA Iftar Banquet, 21 March 2024
The EDU-SYRIA program proudly hosted the Ramadan Iftar Banquet at Zarqa University on March 21, 2024. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting educational opportunities for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian youths, the event brought together about 250 students and alumni of the program, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, the EU Ambassador to Jordan, Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, the President of the German Jordanian University (GJU), Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shaera, the President of Board of Directors of Zarqa University (ZU), and both Ms. Wieke Waterschoot and Ms. Mary Horvers, representatives of the EU Delegation to Jordan, and Dr. Dhiah Abou-Tair, the EDU-SYRIA Project Manager; whereas their presence emphasized the importance of international cooperation and partnership in empowering youth through education.
Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Chatzisavas, the iftar banquet served as a platform for enhancing participation and social solidarity among Syrian and Jordanian student beneficiaries of the program, who received educational scholarships that will pave the way for them to achieve their academic aspirations.
One of the highlights of the Ramadan iftar banquet was the inspiring speech delivered by H.E. Mr. Chatzisavas. In his address, he praised the efforts made by the EDU-SYRIA Program in promoting education, empowerment, and integration of Syrian refugees into the host community, emphasizing also the pivotal role of education in enhancing social integration among program beneficiaries and promoting sustainable development, and he underscored the European Union’s
steadfast commitment to supporting such programs that work towards empowering refugees in host communities, guiding them towards a better future.
Dr. Abou-Tair emphasized that through these initiatives, the program aims not only to provide educational opportunities but also to enhance a sense of belonging to the community and foster integration among beneficiaries, by integrating Syrian refugees with Jordanian students into the host community. In his speech, he said “Education has the power to transcend boundaries and change lives, and we are proud to be part of this journey with our students. We gather with them, and listen to them, in a warm environment to have iftar together in this holy month”. He commended the collaborative efforts between the program and local partners, highlighting the significant impact of these partnerships in the success of the program and the achievement of its objective.
The iftar banquet included traditional Ramadan dishes and conversations among the attendees, this created a space for dialogue and cultural exchange, contributing to strengthening bonds of solidarity and cooperation. The evening it has featured cultural and artistic performances that captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of heritage, talents, and creativity among the beneficiaries.
