Mercy Corps

Published purpose

November 2016 – With the Syrian conflict in its sixth year and the security situation in Iraq continuing to deteriorate, Jordan has seen a constant increase in the number of refugees seeking asylum on its territory. Jordan now hosts over 650,000 Syrian refugees and more than 58,000 Iraqis; a total equal to nearly 10% of the country’s population. Four-fifths of registered refugees are living in urban areas among Jordanians, creating additional burdens on the public sector and the local economy. Urban refugees are struggling to meet needs related to rent, food, health, shelter, work, clothes, education, and items for children, while the needs of vulnerable Jordanians have risen in parallel, as increased competition for resources strains the Jordanian government’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens. With GAC’s support, Mercy Corps is supporting up to 25,719 vulnerable Jordanian and Syrian youth through the development of positive social networks, safe spaces, increased community engagement and increased livelihoods opportunities. Project activities include: (1) establishing three central and accessible Community Action Hubs; (2) recruiting and training local community members to make up Community Based Protection Networks; (3) delivering life skills workshops and vocational skills training to youth; and (4) facilitating a private sector apprenticeship program for youth.