In Syria, a bloody conflict has long been going on where the children are worst affected. The conflict has been going on for many years and the loss of human life can not be compensated and re-building society’s infrastructure will take a long time. Many children have suffered severely and will not only lack food and safety but also the education to which they are entitled to according by Unicef:s ”Convention on the Rights of the Child”. Many who have been radicalized have traveled to Syria from several European countries to take part in the conflict. Their children have then become trapped in the horrors of war.
By chance, I read an article that provided hope:
Freely translated from Swedish to English:
”Finnish children in the infamous al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria have secretly received distance education from Finland. They are in contact with their teachers through smuggled mobile phones. We believe that the positive effect on the children outweighs the risks, said Jussie Tanner, the Foreign Minister’s envoy in Syria.”
Being able to provide education in a difficult situation and supporting children in war gives hope. In addition to writing and reading, the connection to democratic values are important.
Digital technology as the mobile phone has become an inevitable device for migrants, communicating with their social networks in everyday life (Kaufmann 2018). Thus, in a vulnerable situation, social contacts and support through digital channels can at least to some extent be maintained. This can help the refuges to navigate to a new life.
The connection between the children in the refugee camp in Syria and my role as a teacher and a ONL participant in a safe country is perhaps far-fetched. However, the power of an interconnected world and the power of being able to share knowledge and not least social contacts, we should all reflect on. Here are some brief thoughts on my journey so far:
– who are you as an individual in the digital age, and what characterizes your journey so far?
Curious. Thinks that the change we are facing is exciting and the development of society related to digitalization is interesting!
– think about your own digital literacy and identity in your personal and professional life, and how they are linked or how you separate them:
This has been a new way of looking at my digital presence. I have a strong presence when it comes to seeking knowledge from YouTube, twitter, Facebook etc. However, I have used this in a rather anonymous and passive way. Not to interact but rather passively seek information. However, I have been inspired to expand my digital network through more informal digital tools. Not to self; Stop use twitter to (only) retweet silly MEMS. First step: Interact with the world. 2:end step: use in education! According to Ricoy & Feliz (2016) Social media is important to inquire into learning. Teachers play an essential role as dynamisers in the formal incorporation of Twitter in the teaching process, as well as in enhancing interaction between the participants.
– what ONL might mean for your development:
An opportunity for development and to expand my network.
– your experiences from ONL so far:
Confusing, Challenging. Exciting. Fun. Educational.
Kaufmann, K. (2018). Navigating a new life: Syrian refugees and their smartphones in Vienna. Information, Communication & Society, 21(6), 882-898.
Ricoy, M. C., & Feliz, T. (2016). Twitter as a learning community in higher education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 19(1), 237-248.
Unicef. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child.
