11 April 2019, Istanbul – A new initiative implemented by UNDP and funded by the European Union (EU) will deliver Turkish language courses to 52,000 adult Syrians living in 10 provinces across Turkey.

The language courses will take place in Public Education Centres in Adana, Bursa, Gaziantep, Hatay, Istanbul, Izmir, Kilis, Konya, Mersin and Şanlıurfa. The trainings aim to better integrate Syrians aged 18 to 57 under Temporary Protection into economic, social and cultural life.

The initiative is scaling up UNDP’s previous support for Syrians in Turkey, using a “blended training” model, which combines classroom learning, online programmes and a learning management system. The model is a first of its kind in Turkey. The system will also enable the trainees to access trainings remotely through an e-learning portal.

The new phase of the project will involve Syrian men and women equally and will also promote the access of women and youth to labor markets.

The 3-hour courses will take place three days a week for a term of 10 weeks, and will deliver A1, A2 and B1 level curricula.

Infrastructural and technical support is also being provided to 53 public education centres in 10 provinces. A new public education centre is being built in the Şehitkamil district of Gaziantep.

Studies show that language is the biggest factor preventing Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey from participating in the country’s economic, social and cultural life. The Turkish language trainings present a significant opportunity for Syrians to develop new jobs and livelihoods, contribute to the economy and interact with Turkish nationals.

The two-year project has a budget of €50 million and will contribute to the employment of 2,000 Syrians and host community members while increasing access to municipal services for 307,000 Syrians and host community members.

UNDP collaborates with chambers of industry and commerce to support economic activities, achieve sustainable development and facilitate access to labor markets.

The “Adult Language Training Component” of the Turkey Resilience Project in Response to the Syria Crisis (TRP) is being implemented in collaboration with the General Directorate of Lifelong Learning of the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MoNE - GDLL) and UNDP.