The Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and SPARK are investing $14,750,000 in support for Syrian refugees

On October 13^th 2020, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD)and SPARK, an international development NGO, have signed a new, two-year programme to support economic resilience for Syrian refugees, IDPs and vulnerable host communities in Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.

Even with the latest developments in treating COVID-19, the crisis is affecting countries disproportionately, severely hitting the most vulnerable such as refugees, and damaging the often already fragile economic situation of host communities. Countries such as Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan face enormous challenges to reduce the poverty faced by Syrian refugees and vulnerable members of their societies in light of an impending economic recession.

The Tadamon (‘solidarity’) programme aims to alleviate some of the short-term effects of the pandemic through the delivery of protective supplies, training of 80 medical staff and provision of psycho-social support and awareness raising for better overall wellbeing. Simultaneously the programme aims to provide sustainable solutions to mitigate the long-term effects of the crisis on youth prospects and local economies, by supporting1,695 students with access to higher education, 843 youths with skills development and internships, and start-up support to 85 SMEs. 

The rest of the programme builds on SPARK’s proven track record in collaborating with some of the best educational institutes, scaling up existing small and medium sized enterprises, placing youth in jobs through skills development, helping entrepreneurs to start up their own businesses, and supporting universities to develop market driven curricula. The programme focuses on sustainable job creation and improved resilience, with specific focus on the involvement of women and refugees as key to longevity.

The Bank’s (IsDB and ISFD) generous support is pivotal to the creation of sustainable interventions at this crucial point in time, where youth from all different backgrounds and communities are feeling the weight of the crises. Programme’s such Tadamon will provide the infrastructure to enable people to realise their full potential, while advocating for human dignity by promoting health, education, prosperity and empowering women. The Bank support is derived from its initiative the “Tadamon CSO Pandemic Response Accelerator Program” which aims to contribute to the immediate and medium-term efforts of the Bank Member Countries to prevent, contain and respond to negative impacts of COVID-19 in 17 member countries affected by  fragility and conflict, refugees and internally displaced people.

SPARK is honoured that IsDB and ISFD are leading the support for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon during the COVID-19 crisis. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr. Bandar M.H.Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank and Mr. Yannick Du Pont, CEO of SPARK.

-Ends- 

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank (MDB), working to improve the lives of those we serve by promoting social and economic development in Member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, delivering impact at scale.

We provide the infrastructure to enable people to lead better lives and achieve their full potential. 

Islamic Development Fund for Development (ISFD)

The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) is dedicated to reducing poverty in its member countries by promoting pro-poor growth, emphasizing human development, especially improvements in health care and education, and providing financial support to enhance the productive capacity and sustainable means of income for the poor,  including financing employment opportunities, providing market outlets especially for the rural poor and improving basic rural and pre-urban infrastructure. 

SPARK

SPARK is an international non-governmental development organisation active in 14 regions throughout the Middle East, North and sub-Saharan Africa. For over 25 years, SPARK has been creating pathways for young people to rebuild their futures. We provide opportunities for youth, particularly women and refugees, to study, work and grow their own businesses in fragile communities. Their success brings stability where it's needed most. All our programmes are founded on close collaboration with local partner organisations.

USE PER COUNTRY IN DIFFERENT PRESS RELEASE ABOUT SPARK

In Lebanon, SPARK works with aspiring Syrian and Lebanese entrepreneurs to develop their business plans, provide training and access to finance. Similarly, we partner with many higher and vocational education institutions in Lebanon to provide study opportunities for Syrian refugees and Lebanese youth. Courses are based on local labour market needs and the skills needed for rebuilding Syria in the future.

In Jordan, SPARK works with aspiring Syrian, Palestinian and Jordanian entrepreneurs to develop their business plans, provide training and access to finance. Similarly, we partner with many higher and vocational education institutions in Jordan to provide study opportunities for Syrian refugees and national youth. Courses are based on local labour market needs and the skills needed for rebuilding Syria in the future.

In Iraq, SPARK works with aspiring Syrian and Iraqi entrepreneurs to develop their business plans, provide training and access to finance. Similarly, we partner with many higher and vocational education institutions in Iraq to provide study opportunities for Syrian refugees and Iraqi youth. Courses are based on local labour market needs and the skills needed for rebuilding Syria in the future.

© Press Release 2020