ITF Supports RE Workshops in Jordan

“I decided to attend the risk education (RE) workshop to learn about the dangers of explosive remnants of war. The most interesting part was safe behaviour instructions in different contaminated areas – how to avoid an incident and how to identify marking signs. I believe this knowledge will be very useful when I return to my hometown in Syria. But most importantly, I am able to pass this knowledge and safety massages to my family and friends here in Irbid and when I will be back in Syria” (Rodayna, 15, Hakama secondary school for girls).

The conflict in Syria forced almost 5.2 million Syrians to leave their homes and flee to other countries. Jordan is second to Lebanon a country with the largest number of refugees per capita in the world, hosting approximately 655,000 (registered) Syrian refugees. In addition to already difficult circumstances the refugees found themselves in, the immediate effects of the conflict include extensive contamination with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) of their homeland, which prevents not only their safe return but also land cultivation and long-term development.

Thus, RE stands as an important asset in the process of refugees' return to their homeland enhancing their safety and minimizing the number of potential mine/ERW victims. ITF, in cooperation with Arab Mine Action Consultancy Crew (AMACC) and financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, is enabling RE for Syrian refugees in schools in Irbid Governorate, Jordan. From January 2017, the programme has included 54 hours of training for four Syrian RE mentors, who were consequently able to carry out 204 workshops for 6,020 Syrian refugees. In addition, 17,012 of printed and other materials were distributed in order to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines/ERW. Within the project period, until September 2018, altogether 20,000 Syrian refugees are planned to receive RE.