US program offers free online university courses to refugees
The program will allow nonprofit organizations to apply for financial aid for refugees to take courses for free
Refugees worldwide will be able to take more than 1,000 online university courses for free as part of an effort to provide education and skills training under a US-based program launched on Monday as part of World Refugee Day.
The initiative provides access to courses at such schools as Harvard University in the United States and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in topics from computer coding to neuroscience, said Coursera, a for-profit provider of online courses.
Typically, course fees could range from $29 US to $99 US, it said.
The program, launched jointly with the US Department of State, will allow nonprofit organizations to apply for financial aid for refugees to take courses for free.
Globally, a record 65.3 million people were displaced at the end of last year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“Coursera for Refugees is designed to provide as many of them as possible with greater access to education in career relevant skills, as they navigate new homes and difficult times in their lives,” said Rebecca Taber, Coursera’s head of government partnerships, in a statement.
The State Department will promote the courses through embassies and consulates.
“Coursera for Refugees builds on our work to help people succeed in the global economy,” said Evan Ryan, Assistant US Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, in a statement.
Berlin-based Kiron University also provides online courses and degrees without fees to refugees, according to its website.
-
Syrian refugee teachers strive to deliver better education
With no hope of return to their homeland at present, Syrians face obstacles as they aim to stabilize their uncertain future Features -
A university for Syrian refugees: How, when and where?
The university will primarily educate Syrian refugees in the English and Arabic languages, and will teach a variety of subjects Features -
Arabic language startup helps Syrian refugees find hope, income
Called ‘NaTakallam’, meaning ‘we speak’ in Arabic, the website allows people from all round the world to practice Arabic and connect with Syrian refugees Features -
The mental hurdles Syrian refugees face after fleeing from danger
The mental challenges that affect the refugees fleeing these dangers have taken a heavy toll Features