The ongoing conflict in Syria has considerably devastated the education system. It will not be too much to say that Syrian students’ lives are in danger in Syrian universities due to this difficult situation. According to the report released by UNICEF, there will be a “lost generation” if the conflict does not stop. The report further states that at least 2,400 schools have been destroyed, and about 1,500 of them are being used as shelter. Even though there are some schools available, it is extremely hard to get education in overcrowded classrooms. The report finally states that Syrian students’ future education opportunities are not guaranteed in Syria, and unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Syrian students to continue education.
Luckily, the Swedish Institute took a positive step to aid Syrian students in achieving their career goals. In an effort to help them to pursue their education and continue following their goals, as part of its regular scholarship process, the Swedish Institute has decided to allocate 30 scholarships for Syrian students during the academic years of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Scholarships applications are available online on the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships website.
Certainly, there are some limitations imposed for the applicants and required qualifications are explained in detail. First, offered scholarships only apply to master’s level studies in any Sweden university so it is not available for undergraduate degrees. Next, the student is required to have completed his/her bachelor’s degree from a Syrian university. There is no age limit for the applications. If applicants go to the Swedish Institute website, they can find detailed information about the whole process and the dates they need to follow up with.
I think the Swedish Institute’s decision on allocating some of its scholarships for Syrian students is of a great conduct that deserves a big applause. Even though it is limited and only offered for master’s level studies, it is still a big help for those students who are dreaming to achieve their career goals. Education is such a big problem in the Middle East in general, and most of the time, students who want to continue their education find no help from their own governments. Therefore, what the Swedish Institute does in offering these scholarships for Syrian students shows us how helping even a little can make a huge difference in one’s life. I do hope that this decision of the Swedish Institute will lead other countries around the world to give Syrian students a hand in providing education that they eager to receive.
What do you think of the Swedish Institute’s decision in providing scholarships for Syrian students? Other than what this institute did, what kinds of things do you think can be done to help Syrian students and make sure that they receive the education that they want? What kinds of major changes do you think can be done in further developing the education system in the Middle East in general? Do you believe the Swedish Institute’s decision will set an example for other countries in Europe or around the world in aiding Syrian students?
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It is truly saddening that there is a strong possibility that there will be a “lost generation” of Syrian students if the situation in Syria does not change soon. While it is certainly noble of the Swedish Institute to allocate scholarships for Syrian students, it is unfortunate that they are not for undergraduate studies. Students entering into college are at a critical age and more flexible to travel to Sweden to earn their degree. While the scholarships for master’s degrees will most likely, and hopefully, have an impact on Syrian society and economy, I think it would be more beneficial if they opened the door for undergraduates as well. I do applaud the Institute for taking these students out of the country to study, enabling them to focus better and obtain a more diverse worldview. I truly hope their actions set a trend for other countries around the world to follow suit and aid the Syrian educational system. It is sad that there is little that can be done internally to aid the educational system at this moment, since there are many other things the country is going through. However, seeing outside nations stepping in in aiding this fundamental part of the country is uplifting to see.