Finally came the visit to a Syrian refugee school in Esenlor on March 4th. This school has been built for three years and has more than 1000 students from elementary to high school levels. One reason for Syrian children not attending Turkish school but a Syrian one, according to the staff, is that their parents don’t want them to lose their identity and that they hope to come back home once the crisis in Syria is ended. The school has got little help from the local government. Most of their funding comes from NGOs and private donation. Students there study a variety of subjects including chemistry, math, physics, Turkish, Arabic, and governmental courses on the current situation in Syria. In addition, there are some students who have to work to support their families, and come to school at weekends. The school also deducts or exempts tuition fees for students from low-income families. Overall, the school seems to be a great success.
During the meeting with the school staff, I asked questions about the so-called guest card issued to Syrian refugees (mentioned by Vice Mayor who received us yesterday). They said that the government did not provide much instruction on what kind of rights Syrian refugees enjoyed with such a card. However, they confirmed that Syrians could attend Turkish school for free, had access to health care, and had the right to work as normal Turkish people. Despite many criticisms to Turkey’s dealing with Syrian refugees, I personally think that the government is quite generous to Turkey’s Syrian neighbors in the aspect of the guest card. On the train back to the hotel this afternoon, I happened to talk with a person who lived in a boarder city and came to Istanbul for business. He said that in fact many companies are currently more interested in hiring Syrian refugees, because they are willing to work with lower payment than the Turkish.
Based on some news articles and the dialogue with the school staff, the situations of Syrian refugees seem mixed. Some Syrian refugees from middle and high classes integrate well in Turkey, and can make money by formal employment or doing some business. Others from lower classes face harsher situations.
Students are studying in class.
Dreams of some students are posted on this wall.