Cultural survival among Syrians in Cairo : the role of Syrian educators and educational centers

Abstract

Syrian refugees in Egypt are using educational centers to support the preservation of their culture and way of life. This thesis takes an in-depth look at four educational centers and their cultural path through the education system and life in Cairo. Looking at literature on identity, belonging, and refugee education, this thesis uses three ideas - right to culture, freedom to belong, and self-determination - as a theoretical lens which allows the participant’s voices to be a central piece in this research. Twelve interviews with Syrian educators, a focus group with ten female educators, and dozens of other informal interviews and participant observation periods, engaged participants about their opinions on their role and the role of education in Syrian cultural survival. The findings from the thesis led to four recommendations: bridging educational communities, teachers teaching teachers, adoption of a social studies curriculum, and play areas and play time.