Future Designers

The specific problem being addressed is the lack of comprehensive measures to effectively meet the needs of refugee children in Turkey, particularly in the context of education and technological access. This issue is significant both locally and globally due to Turkey hosting the highest number of refugees worldwide, with over 3 million Syrians under temporary protection status, nearly half of whom are children.

The scale of the problem is substantial, with more than 450,000 refugee children in Turkey currently out of school. This situation has been exacerbated by factors such as economic crises, the aftermath of natural disasters like the February earthquakes, child labor, early marriages, and bullying. Additionally, the looming threat of deportation acts as a barrier to accessing education for refugee children, hindering their integration into Turkey's educational system.

Discrimination against refugee children within educational institutions is prevalent, with some schools resorting to segregating them, which perpetuates a sense of marginalization and exclusion. Furthermore, the economic conditions of refugee families often do not allow them to meet the technological needs of the times, with many households lacking wireless internet connections.

The lack of access to education and technological opportunities not only hinders the development of essential 21st-century skills but also perpetuates inequality of opportunity for refugee children, affecting their future prospects and integration into society.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers Assistance and Solidarity Association’s (RASAS) solution aims to empower refugee children in Sultanbeyli by providing them with equitable access to technology and educational opportunities. The initiative focuses on bridging the digital divide and enhancing the children's skills and awareness to prepare them for the future.

The solution includes several components:

• MakerLab Workshops: These workshops offer hands-on training in robotics, coding, algorithms, Arduino, Scratch, Scratch JR, and computerless robotic coding. Through these workshops, children learn to develop logical and analytical thinking skills by designing and building robots. They also acquire skills in direction, coordinates, and physical dimensions, laying the groundwork for understanding complex concepts in technology and engineering.

• ArtLab Workshops: In these workshops, children engage in artwork, production, creativity, and discovery using specialized technological equipment. They receive training in 3D drawing, visual effects programs, design-oriented thinking, digital collage, and manipulation. This fosters their creativity and innovation while also providing them with valuable skills in digital art and design.

• STEM Workshops: Using the applied STEM method, workshops in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology are conducted. These workshops integrate various disciplines to provide a holistic learning experience. The curricula are tailored to the needs and development of the children, ensuring that they receive relevant and engaging instruction.

• Socio-cultural and Technical Trips: Organized trips allow children to break away from the school exam cycle and experience educational and enjoyable outings. These trips provide opportunities for hands-on learning outside the classroom and foster social interaction and cultural exchange among the children.

• Information Seminars for Parents and Educators: RASAS also organizes seminars for parents and educators in Sultanbeyli to increase their technological awareness and capacity. These seminars provide information on how to support children in their educational journey and leverage technology effectively.

Overall, RASAS’s solution aims to create a supportive ecosystem where refugee children have access to cutting-edge technology, quality education, and opportunities for personal growth and development. By equipping children with essential skills and knowledge, empowering parents and educators, and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, the initiative seeks to break the cycle of inequality and provide refugee children with a brighter future.

RASAS’s solution primarily serves the vulnerable refugee population in the Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul, focusing on improving the lives of refugee children and their families.

The target population includes:

• Refugee Children: Specifically, the solution aims to directly impact the lives of approximately 10,575 refugee children residing in Sultanbeyli. These children are currently underserved in various ways, facing barriers to education, limited access to technology, and inadequate support for their socio-emotional well-being.

• Refugee Families: Indirectly, the solution also serves refugee families, who often struggle with inadequate income, limited access to resources, and challenges in supporting their children's educational and developmental needs.

According to data from SUKOM, the automation system of the RASAS, Sultanbeyli district accommodates the highest number of refugees in Istanbul’s Anatolian side, with 21,626 Syrians with TP status. Furthermore, there are 46,041 people registered in SUKOM, out of which 47% (21,722) reside in Sultanbeyli, and 22% (10,575) are children. Among the vulnerable refugee children in RASAS’s database, 53% cannot continue their education, 16% have disabilities, 9% are child laborers, 7% need Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), 2% are victims of violence, and 1% are at risk of early marriages or separation from their families. Additionally, 1% have insufficient income, 1% are earthquake victims, 1% are unvaccinated, and 8% fall under other vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are almost always accompanied by inadequate income, exacerbating the challenges faced by refugee families in meeting the basic needs of their children.

RASAS’s solution directly addresses the needs of these vulnerable refugee children and their families in several ways:

• Access to Education: By providing MakerLab, ArtLab, and STEM workshops, the solution offers refugee children access to quality education in technology, science, engineering, and art. These workshops empower children with skills that are essential for their academic success and future career opportunities.

• Socio-emotional Support: Through socio-cultural and technical trips, the solution provides opportunities for refugee children to engage in activities outside the classroom, fostering social interaction, cultural exchange, and emotional well-being.

• Technological Empowerment: By increasing technological awareness and capacity among parents and educators, the solution equips them with the knowledge and skills to support children's learning and development in an increasingly digital world.

• Community Engagement: The solution brings together various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community members, through information seminars and workshops. This fosters a sense of community and collaboration in addressing the needs of refugee children and their families.

Overall, RASAS's solution aims to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of vulnerable refugee children and their families in Sultanbeyli by providing access to education, technology, socio-emotional support, and community engagement opportunities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, the solution strives to create a more inclusive and equitable environment where all children have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

RASAS and its team are uniquely positioned to deliver the proposed solution to the refugee population in Sultanbeyli district due to several key factors. RASAS is the only NGO serving refugees in Sultanbeyli district, which has led to the development of strong relationships and trust within the community. Through its community center's social welfare services, RASAS actively locates and visits refugees, providing support as needed. This proximity and accessibility have fostered a deep sense of trust among refugees, who rely on RASAS for various needs. The team at RASAS is representative of the communities they serve. They understand the cultural and socio-economic contexts of refugee families in Sultanbeyli, which enables them to design solutions that are tailored to their specific needs and challenges. RASAS has been providing education services since 2017 and has extensive experience working with children and youth. Moreover, the team has expertise in STEM education, which is essential for implementing the proposed MakerLab, ArtLab, and STEM workshops. RASAS offers services not only in Turkish and Arabic but also in English, Persian, and Urdu, ensuring that language barriers are not a hindrance to accessing support. This linguistic diversity reflects the multicultural nature of the refugee population in Sultanbeyli. RASAS has established strong partnerships with public institutions and local governments in Sultanbeyli. These partnerships enable RASAS to effectively advocate for the needs of refugees and collaborate with other stakeholders to address systemic challenges. RASAS's proactive approach to providing education helps prevent unregistered and illegal educational activities, which may not be suitable for the developmental characteristics of children and could pose risks to social cohesion. By offering structured and quality educational programs, RASAS mitigates these risks and promotes a safe and supportive learning environment for refugee children.

Overall, RASAS and its team are deeply committed to serving the refugee population in Sultanbeyli district, leveraging their proximity, trust, expertise, and community representation to design and deliver impactful solutions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by refugees in the area.

Training curricula were prepared by RASAS. STEM training was provided to refugee children in Sultanbeyli. However, there is a need to update the curriculum due to the constant renewal of educational technologies. In addition, the training was applied only to Syrian children as refugee children. Therefore, it can be stated that the study is in the growth stage.

As an organization dedicated to empowering refugees in Sultanbeyli, RASAS recognizes the value of partnerships and support networks in advancing its mission and maximizing its impact. While RASAS has made significant progress in providing technology and educational opportunities to refugee children, it still faces several barriers that hinder its ability to scale and sustain efforts effectively. 

Securing adequate funding to expand RASAS's programs and reach more beneficiaries is a significant challenge. Limited resources restrict its capacity to invest in infrastructure, staff training, and program development. Accessing markets for potential partnerships, collaborations, and funding opportunities is challenging, particularly for grassroots organizations like ours that may not have extensive networks or visibility. RASAS believes that Solve can help to overcome these barriers by connecting with a diverse network of partners, mentors, and resources that can provide both monetary and non-monetary support. 

Through Solve platform, RASAS hopes to;

• Gain access to funding opportunities and financial resources to scale our programs and reach more refugee children in Sultanbeyli. 

• Benefit from Solve’s focus on cultural sensitivity and inclusion, leveraging their expertise and resources to enhance RASAS's programs' effectiveness and relevance in diverse refugee communities. 

• Access opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other Solver teams, organizations, and stakeholders, expanding RASAS’s reach and impact through collective action.

RASAS’s solution stands out as innovative and impactful, particularly in the context of Istanbul’s Anatolian side, due to its unique offering of STEM workshops for refugee children. As of now, there is no other option for STEM workshops specifically tailored to refugee children in this area. In addition to this RASAS takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of refugee children by integrating STEM education with socio-emotional support and community engagement. This comprehensive approach recognizes that education is not just about academic learning but also about fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience in children. 

RASAS actively involves the refugee community in the design and implementation of its programs, ensuring that the solutions are culturally relevant, responsive to community needs, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. By engaging beneficiaries as partners in the process, RASAS fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community. RASAS collaborates with various stakeholders, including public institutions, local governments, and other NGOs, to maximize the impact of its programs and leverage resources and expertise. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, RASAS catalyzes broader positive impacts within the refugee support space and promotes collective action to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

At RASAS, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology to empower refugee children and shape their futures. RASAS’s theory of change centers around the belief that by providing access to innovative STEM education, fostering socio-emotional well-being, and building community resilience, we can create lasting positive impacts on the lives of refugee children in Sultanbeyli.

Immediate Outputs: 

• Empowered Children: 980 refugee children equipped with essential STEM skills, increased confidence, and a sense of agency over their futures.

• Enhanced Social Cohesion: Stronger bonds within the refugee community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for children to learn and grow. 

• Strengthened Support Network: 200 refugee parents and 180 educators with increased knowledge and skills to support children’s educational journey and overall development.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Academic Success: Improved academic performance and increased interest in STEM subjects among refugee children, leading to enhanced educational opportunities and prospects.

• Socio-Emotional Well-being: Greater resilience, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence among refugee children, enabling them to navigate challenges and thrive in their new environment.

• Community Resilience: A resilient and cohesive refugee community empowered to overcome barriers and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

RASAS’s theory of change articulates a vision for empowering refugee children through education, technology, and community engagement, ultimately leading to sustainable change and a brighter future for generations to come.

RASAS measures the program’s  impact goals using a variety of indicators. One key indicator is the number of training conducted, which includes STEM workshops, socio-cultural trips, and information seminars organized for refugee children, parents, and educators. By tracking the frequency and scale of these activities, RASAS can assess the extent to which our educational and awareness-raising efforts are reaching the target population. Another indicator is the number of beneficiaries served, specifically focusing on the number of children educated and adults trained. RASAS collects this data through its own automation system, SUKOM. To measure progress towards RASAS’s impact goals, RASAS employs pre-post tests for students, families and teachers participating in activities. These tests assess the knowledge levels of beneficiaries before and after the intervention, allowing RASAS to observe progress and identify areas for improvement.

The core technology that powers RASAS’s solution combines modern educational tools, methodologies, and community engagement strategies. Here's how our solution leverages technology to address the needs of refugee children:

• Educational Technology Tools: RASAS utilizes various educational technology tools to deliver STEM workshops and training sessions to refugee children. RASAS uses robotics kits that allow children to build and program robots, teaching them principles of engineering and coding in a hands-on manner. RASAS provides access to computers and software programs, such as Scratch and Arduino, which enable children to learn programming concepts and create interactive projects. RASAS sometimes incorporates 3D printing technology into workshops, allowing children to design and create physical objects using computer-aided design software.

• Data Collection and Monitoring: RASAS uses SUKOM, an automation system, for data collection, and monitoring tools to track the impact and effectiveness.

The RASAS team comprises four key members: General Coordinator, Social Welfare Director, Education Services Manager coordinating all activities, and a teacher from the District Education Directorate of National Education.

General Coordinator guides RASAS’s efforts to provide quality learning opportunities for refugee children and youth. The Social Welfare Director is tasked with overseeing all social welfare activities. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the programs are cohesive and aligned with the needs of refugee families. The Education Services Manager oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of our educational initiatives to optimize impact. The teacher brings expertise to RASAS's educational endeavors.

RASAS has been working on this solution since 2022.

At RASAS, diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational principles that shape our organizational culture. Among our 82 personnel, 52 are women, constituting 63% of our workforce. In leadership roles, 2 out of 4 directors and 14 out of 22 unit managers are women, representing 50% and 63%, respectively. Additionally, RASAS prioritizes hiring staff from refugee communities, fostering representation and empowerment within the organization. Through ongoing training, open dialogue, and targeted initiatives, RASAS strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and supported.

RASAS’s business model revolves around understanding and addressing the needs of refugee communities in Sultanbeyli through a systematic approach. RASAS prioritizes conducting needs assessments each year, which involves interviewing beneficiaries, staff, and key actors to gather insights into the challenges and priorities of the community.

Additionally, RASAS utilizes an automation system called SUKOM to comprehensively evaluate applicant data, covering demographics, education, health, and sensitivities. SUKOM enables to generate of detailed records that play a crucial role in understanding the needs of applicants and their families, facilitating seamless case follow-up and effective needs assessment.

By combining needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the use of SUKOM, RASAS ensures that its activities are informed by evidence, responsive to community needs, and accountable in their implementation. Through this approach, RASAS provides value to refugee populations by delivering impactful programs that address their most pressing challenges and contribute to their well-being and empowerment.

RASAS relies primarily on grants and donations from governments, foundations, and individuals to fund its programs and operations. RASAS continues its current activities in partnership with organizations such as UNHCR, GIZ, SAMS, Refugee Girls Worldwide. RASAS seeks partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and institutions to leverage resources and expertise, enhancing the scalability and sustainability of its programs. In addition to this, RASAS has a Resource Development Unit to ensure the sustainability of its activities. The Resource Development Unit works on creating a database of national and international institutions working in line with the association’s fields of activity, establishing contact with the institutions in the database by sending concept notes or requesting direct meetings, and creating the association’s corporate communication strategy. The Resource Development Unit is responsible for increasing donation channels and visibility activities by taking into account the “public benefit association” status of the association to increase donation and sponsorship activities.