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Azima: An Online Arabic Learning Platform for Refugees

Azima - meaning “determination” in Arabic - is where Determination Meets Innovation

The closure of schools in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt learning for Syrian children in Lebanon. In response, Jusoor developed a WhatsApp-based learning program: Azima. Azima has continued to open pathways to education for students in and out of school, adapting our evidence-backed curriculum to be accessible and impactful for students and their parents.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2020

Established

670

Children

1

Countries
Target group
Students basic
Updated
May 2024
Our goal is to maximize access to education for Syrian learners and their communities, overcoming geographical, financial, and political barriers. Azima is the most accessible and relevant online learning platform for refugees in Lebanon, and has the potential to be a solution for millions displaced. Every child will in turn positively impact multiple others– from siblings to perhaps country.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

School closure during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted 1,000+ Syrian children at Jusoor’s centers in Lebanon. 53% of Syrian school-aged children in Lebanon are out of school, and only 9% attend schools offering hybrid or online learning. An increasing number of Lebanese public schools are refusing to enroll refugee children. Children with disabilities are disproportionately deprived of education.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Azima ensures that all children, regardless of background, have access to quality schooling and an equitable opportunity to succeed. The online format ensures that Jusoor can support the hardest-to-reach children by addressing common barriers like transportation, lack of legal documentation, physical disabilities, and the prevalence of child labor. Azima adapts a three-pronged approach: online learning, take-home materials, and virtual psychosocial support. Teachers engage with students and parents via Whatsapp to distribute short instructional videos and activities. Students respond with photos and videos of their homework for feedback and corrections. For areas with more limited internet access, offline learning packets enable students to continue learning from home. This approach has proven effective in maintaining educational continuity under challenging circumstances, with over 80% subject assessment pass rates, and over 70% participation rates in 2023-2024.

How has it been spreading?

In 2020, Jusoor turned a global crisis into an opportunity for innovation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Azima received The UNHCR EdTech Hub Award. Azima rapidly evolved into a long-term solution for students facing barriers to traditional schooling, including those with physical disabilities and economic hardships. To date, Azima has provided learning to over 670 refugee students across Lebanon. This year, Azima is piloting AI technology in collaboration with Lirvana Labs. We plan to expand Azima to refugee communities in Lebanon and other countries such as Egypt and Turkey, sharpen our curriculum with cutting-edge technology, and offer war- and displacement-affected refugee children quality education with global recognition.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

For advice and support on adapting Azima to your context, please get in touch with us at info@jusoor.ngo. Our team of educators can share information and guidance on building a WhatsApp based learning solution for your target population.

Implementation steps

Register with Jusoor
Azima is part of Jusoor’s Refugee Education Program. If you are a refugee in Lebanon or have out-of-school children, and are looking for access to basic education, contact Jusoor to register at Azima. You can either contact us via this email info@jusoor.ngo, or visit our centers in Jeb Jennine, Bourj Hammoud, or Jurahiya in Lebanon.
Receive supporting materials
Jusoor provides Azima students with a smartphone, SIM Card, and an internet bundle that covers all connection costs. Students also receive stationery, exercise, and copybooks, as well as pens and pencils.
Download WhatsApp
Azima is a WhatsApp-based learning platform. You need to download WhatsApp if you don’t already use it, and add your number to start using it.
Join your learning group
Jusoor’s Refugee Education Program team will add you to the respective learning group and connect your teacher.
Attend lessons and submit assignments
your teachers will share videos of them explaining the lesson and other learning materials such as animated videos in these subjects: Arabic, English, Math, and PSHE (Personal, social, health and economic education). You can watch them as many times as you want. You’ll be required to send related assignments, and then the teachers will send their feedback in voice messages and illustrating screenshots.
Get ready to interact with AI technology
Azima students will experience learning with AI through dynamic games and media content, individually tailored to their learning trajectories.

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