Challenges Faced by Refugee Students in Egypt
In Cairo, the education landscape for refugee students is becoming increasingly complex. With around 675,000 refugees in Egypt, many of whom are from Sudan and Syria, the Egyptian government has implemented new regulations that require valid refugee cards and residency permits for enrollment in public schools. This change is seen as a significant barrier for many families, who are already struggling with economic hardships. The Refugee Platform, an independent human rights organization, has highlighted the difficulties that Syrian and Sudanese students face in accessing education, particularly with the introduction of a new fee of 500 Egyptian pounds to obtain necessary documentation.
The situation is further complicated by the limited availability of private schools, which charge exorbitant fees ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 dollars. Many families are left with no choice but to seek alternatives like community educational centers or distance learning programs. Activists are calling for the Egyptian government to reconsider its policies to ensure that refugee children can receive an education without the burden of excessive costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
The Urgent Need for Educational Solutions
As the new academic year approaches, the urgency for solutions becomes more pressing. Advocates like Walid Ali Al-Zariqi, head of the “Wojoud” initiative, emphasize that education is a fundamental right that should not be hindered by residency issues. The Four Freedoms Agreement between Egypt and Sudan, which allowed for mutual movement and access to education, remains frozen, further complicating the situation for long-standing Sudanese communities in Egypt.
With estimates suggesting that about 250,000 refugee students could drop out of education if conditions do not improve, there is a growing call for the Egyptian government to facilitate access to education for all refugee children. This includes not only easing residency requirements but also providing financial support and additional resources to help these vulnerable communities. The plight of refugee students in Egypt highlights the need for both immediate action and long-term solutions to ensure their right to education is upheld.
