Uplift
Promoting inclusive community engagement and ownership at Za’atari Refugee Camp
Jordan
Humanitarian Assistance 
Community Cohesion & Protection 2023-2025
UNHCR
Community Mobilization
A central focus of Uplift I and II was empowering people living at Za’atari Camp with the skills and opportunities to act as agents of change in the community. At the foundation of this effort was refugee-led Community Support Networks that represented the needs of different people and an array of interests, including protection, inclusion, and digital development. Groups were inclusive of women, girls, people with disabilities, and older persons to ensure their voices were included in decision-making processes. They identified community needs, brainstormed solutions, and led initiatives. Camp residents also applied for volunteer-based positions to support Blumont activities in the camp.
Community Engagement
Blumont teams engaged Za’atari residents of all ages, genders, and abilities through recreational activities. ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in consultation with the community, activities included sports tournaments, art and painting sessions, interactive theatre performances, and photography workshops. These initiatives promoted community connections, healthy coping strategies, and positive outlets for self-expression.
Encouraging Community Input
Za’atari Camp residents could submit feedback, reports, and recommendations via calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and comment boxes. Teams made every effort to inform residents about corrective actions, solutions, and decisions, and encouraged a communication loop amongst residents and people working in the camp.
Case Management & Referrals
Social workers on the Uplift team used the UNHCR vulnerability criteria to assess the needs of individuals and families at increased risk. Using the findings, teams created care plans to meet the needs of vulnerable residents, including the elderly and people with disabilities. Assistance included the designation of caretakers; provision of mobility aids and devices, such as medical beds; support for accessibility, such as installation of ramps or wheelchair maintenance; and referrals to other service providers for specialized care. Uplift’s team of social workers were well-known resources throughout Za’atari Camp as they conducted follow-up visits and provided support.
Innovation Lab
At the Innovation Lab, students of all ages built experience with technology through courses and hands-on training. Exploring topics ranging from basic computer skills and digital literacy to workshops on programming and coding, robotics, and green energy, residents learned marketable skills and designed creative solutions to everyday problems in the community.
Learning Hubs
Learning Hubs were informal educational centers where residents could use the internet to complete school assignments, take on supplementary course work, or apply for jobs. At the Hubs, coaches offered a variety of training and educational opportunities to help participants build their computer skills and increase digital literacy. The Learning Hubs also supported information and communication technology initiatives led by the Innovation Lab to improve digital inclusion and engagement.
TIGER
The TIGER program offered young people in Za’atari informal education opportunities, helped build life skills, and empowered them to engage in the community. Activities included reading groups, digital literacy trainings, and student clubs. The program targeted young people between the ages of 9-17, 50% of whom were girls, with a special focus on the inclusion of children with disabilities.
RefuGIS
RefuGIS trained refugees in GIS mapping and data analysis. Using the platform, the team created interactive dashboards and maps that helped address challenges in the camp, such as identifying areas prone to flooding. RefuGIS worked with the Innovation Lab to bring ideas to life and create prototypes of refugee-designed solutions. All data collected by the team was shared with UNHCR and relevant stakeholders.
Made in Za'atari Center
The Made in Za’atari Center, launched by UNHCR and Blumont in 2019 and handed over to the community in 2024, provided women with training, career counseling, and mentoring support to build skills that could enhance their workforce participation and translate to new sources of income. Training sessions included soap and jewelry-making workshops as well as sessions on business management and marketing. To ensure women’s products could compete in the market, the Blumont team provided digital marketing support as well as sponsored artisans’ participation in local bazaars and trade fairs across Jordan.
