In an effort to improve English language skills and build a foundation for future skills upgrading, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) has partnered with San Diego California based Learning Upgrade.
In June 2021, a group of refugees from Afghanistan displaced to different countries globally signed up to be part of this learning journey. Canadian volunteers from FOCUS and the Aga Khan Council created a community of learners in groups of 50 on WhatsApp and Zoom. Once onboarded, the refugees used the Learning Upgrade smartphone app to complete lessons in English, Math, and entry-level job skills training.
In just three months, the Programme was proving to be successful as learners were improving their skills and advancing to the next level at a rapid pace. This rapid growth in English, accompanied by Math, IELTS test prep, and digital skills had provided the refugees the education needed to obtain better jobs, access to higher education, and qualify for entry to Canada. The high achieving learners were provided with an opportunity to become volunteer coaches, motivators, and encouragers for new refugee cohorts worldwide, which many accepted.
“Through our partnership with FOCUS we have created a new model where refugees become an active community of learners,” commented Vinod Lobo, CEO, Learning Upgrade. “When the students become teachers through WhatsApp groups and Zoom, they can inspire other refugees to learn as they develop their own leadership skills.”
With the ongoing success of this program, the new model is now ready to scale up to serve refugees and migrants globally, moving from traditional barriers of education (lack of teachers, facilities, transportation, and technology) to smartphone learning and refugee volunteers. As a result, FOCUS has now expanded the Learning Upgrade model to seven countries serving thousands of people and counting, with the hopes of assisting refugee families and communities to become self-reliant.
“FOCUS is committed to building resiliency amongst forcibly displaced populations, so that wherever they are at present and wherever they may ultimately settle, they are positioned to thrive.” – Shakeel Hirji, Global Coordinator Focus Humanitarian Assistance.
