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Overseas: Program Profiles
Date Established The CO Program was established in July 2001. Learner Population The CO program is a regional program for a diverse mix of refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. In Turkey, the learner population consists of Iraqis from different ethnic and religious backgrounds (e.g. Assyrian and Chaldean Christians, Shi'a and Sunni Muslims); Iranian Baha’is, Kurds, political dissidents, transgender cases, and religious converts; Uzbeks (usually with political persecution claims); Chinese Muslims; Afghans (mostly women at risk and family reunification cases); and other groups from South Asia and Africa. The current Lebanon caseload is Iraqi, while the caseload in Yemen is primarily Somali women at risk, and the Pakistani caseload is mostly Afghan women-at-risk cases. CO is offered in Kuwait on an as-needed basis, ordinarily for Iraqi cases. In recent years, CO has also been conducted for mixed groups of refugees in various countries such as Nepal (limited numbers of Bhutanese, Chinese, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, and Somalis, among others), the United Arab Emirates (Iraqis, Syrians, Iranians, etc.) and India (Afghans). The program serves all ages. Educational backgrounds range from postsecondary to little or no schooling. Training Sites Training takes place in Turkey (Istanbul and Kayseri), Lebanon (Beirut), Yemen (Sana’a and Aden), Pakistan (Islamabad), and other locations as necessary. Staff The multinational staff consists of eleven full- and part-time staff from Iran, Kosovo, Turkey, and the United States, speaking (among other languages) Arabic, English, Farsi, French, and Turkish. Professional specializations include human rights law, gender studies, conflict and development, NGO management, early childhood education, social work, international relations, and anthropology. Course Particulars Course length varies between 7 and 21 hours, depending on learner needs, with most students receiving 21 hours. Class size is usually 16 to 22 students, with smaller classes sometimes conducted. Children’s classes last for 3 days and are very small. Course content is based on The Welcome Guide, with topics adapted to the interests and needs of each refugee group. Methodology is generally experiential and based on principles of adult learning but varies according to the cultural expectations and experiences of the group. Separate classes for men and women address topics such as domestic abuse, health, and sexually transmitted diseases. Instruction is generally provided in the language of the participants. |
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ICMC Turkey Lesson Plans
Highlight: Iraqis
