FNF in collaboration with the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate

Strengthening Refugee Support Through Collaborative Workshop

The Refugee Desk from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), in collaboration with the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate (SRAD), recently hosted a workshop titled "Building Skills and Developing Capabilities." Held on August 1st and 2nd, 2024, in Amman, this workshop aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations by finding common ground, exchanging valuable expertise, and discussing a roadmap for 2025. The event was part of FNF MENA’s 40th Anniversary celebrations and was graced by the presence of MP Ulrich Lechte, a member of the German Bundestag, and MG Dr. Tamer Maaytah, Director of the SRAD, who joined on the second day to contribute their insights and listen to the workshop's conclusions.

Day One: Addressing Challenges inside and outside Refugee Camps

The first day of the session began with a comprehensive overview presented by FNF, highlighting the foundation's various projects, its liberal values, and the Refugee Desk's activities. The SRAD provided an in-depth look at their roles and responsibilities within refugee camps, emphasizing their services in security, humanitarian aid, medical care, and education. SRAD officers then engaged in discussions that addressed key challenges faced by Syrian refugees within the camps, focusing on five principal areas: employment, medical challenges, education, housing, and societal issues.

"The employment discussion was particularly relevant," said one officer, "as it touched on the complexities of securing jobs and work permits, which are critical issues for the refugee community."

Day Two: Crafting a Roadmap for 2025

On the second day, the workshop delved into policy discussions with the presentation of a policy paper titled "Where Are We Now, Twelve Years Later?" This document, published by the FNF Refugee Desk, provided evaluations and recommendations on policies related to Syrian refugees in Jordan. The SRAD representatives engaged with FNF to propose working together on expanding data collection to include other nationalities. The session's primary activity involved participants developing a road-map for 2025, outlining future projects and areas for collaboration.

"This session has been invaluable for laying the groundwork for future initiatives," noted MG Dr. Tamer Maaytah.

Future Collaborations and Continued Partnerships

The visit of MP Ulrich Lechte and MG Dr. Tamer Maaytah added significant value to the session. The special guests were presented with an overview of the two-day workshop and its objectives. SRAD members summarized the findings and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing partnership between Germany and Jordan. Both MP Lechte and MG Dr. Maaytah delivered speeches underlining the significance of addressing the refugee crisis, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical and economic tensions.

The workshop concluded with a strong sense of collaboration and commitment to future projects. The FNF and SRAD participants are now focused on refining their roadmap for 2025, ensuring that the strategies and projects developed will effectively support the refugee community and strengthen the partnership between the two organizations.