EDU-SYRIA Celebrates the Achievements of TCSP and GSSP Graduates
The EDU-SYRIA Scholarship Program, which is funded by the EU and managed by the German Jordanian University (GJU), celebrated the achievements of 116 students on Thursday, October 19th, 2023. Among these students, 59 have successfully met the requirements for the Teacher Certificate Scholarship Program (TCSP) from the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA). Additionally, 51 students have completed the Graduate Studies Scholarship Program (GSSP) managed by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and have fulfilled the requirements for a master’s degree. Furthermore, 6 students have received scholarships from GJU through its collaboration with QRTA.
This ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency the EU Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas. It was attended by GJU President Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, the CEO of Queen Rania Academy, Dr. Osama Obeidat, the Director of the DAAD Regional Office Amman, Mr. Benjamin Schmaling, the EDU-SYRIA Project Manager, and the partners of EDU-SYRIA, including the International Dutch Organization for the Internationalization in Education (NUFFIC), Zarqa University (ZU), Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Luminus Technical University College (LTUC), as well as representatives from local aid organizations such as the National Aid Fund (NAF), Takiyat Aum Ali Fund (TUAF), Al-Aman Fund (AF), Zakah Fund (ZF), and UNHCR representatives.
This celebration of achievement showcases EDU-SYRIA’s commitment to supporting the right to education for Syrian Refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, who are beneficiaries of charitable funds and lack the chance to continue their education because of severe financial challenges.
The ceremony was opened by the president of GJU, Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized that GJU is privileged to oversee EDU-SYRIA Scholarship Program in partnership with several of Jordanian educational institutions and international organizations. He stated “Congratulations to all of you and your relatives who were able to achieve your dreams by completing your education and humiliating all difficulties to reach what you have achieved today and your unwavering ambition is an inspiration for all of us”.
The Project Manager, Dr. Dhiah Abou-Tair, praised the attitudes and commitment of EDU-SYRIA in supporting Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians by giving them access to higher and vocational education through scholarships. He talked about the achievements and provided a brief summary of the program’s progress since its launch in 2015. In his remark, he stated “Today we honor a constellation of graduates for their determination and enduring pursuit of knowledge. We are grateful for the numerous opportunities that education provides and anticipate that these graduates will have a positive influence both inside and outside of their communities”. He also mentioned that they will continue to offer educational and non-educational grants to the target beneficiaries and continue to connect quality education with meaningful employment. These grants should serve as a road map to be followed to give new hopes, new opportunities, and a new life to these students. He further added, “The program will continue to empower young people, promoting equitable access to quality higher education as a fundamental right and a tool for poverty reduction”.
The ceremony also included a musical performance by a student from EDU-SYRIA, a short video about EDU-SYRIA, and success stories from students who have benefitted from the programs. They shared their experiences, explained how much they have gained from the grants, and discussed the significant positive impact it has had on transforming their lives.
