The Impact of the Jordanian Education System on Syrian Refugee Identity

Jordan currently hosts 1.3 million Syrian refugees, with 48% of those refugees being children. Many of these children are currently enrolled in the Jordanian education system, both in host communities and in refugee camps like Za’atari. As such, the future of education for these children holds a great deal of importance, especially because education plays a significant role in the shaping of cultural identity and can have a considerable impact on a child’s future success. This exploratory research is based on the opinions of six Syrian refugee fathers from the Irbid community in the North of Jordan. It examines Syrian identity, the Jordanian curriculum, and the impact this schooling has on Syrian refugee children and their cultural identity. Ultimately, this study found that although most parents view their children’s education as being of good quality, the education that Syrian refugee children receive is not fully culturally affirming, as they are not taught about Syrian culture, civilization, or current events. Keywords: Refugees, Identity, Intercultural, Education, Syrian Identity, Syrian Refugee Education