The Crisis of Displacement and its Implications: A Workshop at the Faculty of Education

Political, social, psychological, and educational reasons for displacement, as well as the mental health of displaced individuals, were the core topics of the workshop organized by the Faculty of Education at Damascus University in collaboration with the National Union of Syrian Students and Sham Land Foundation under the title "The Crisis of Displacement and Its Implications".

Dr. Mahmoud Ali Mohammad, from Department of Sociology, addressed the political effects of forced displacement, starting from the Nakba in 1948, then the Naksa (Setback) of June 1967, and the occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, followed by migration during the terrorist war on Syria, resulting in catastrophic consequences and the forced migration of thousands of Syrians.

Dr. Maher Al-Salem from the Comparative Education Department focused on the effects of displacement on the educational process, highlighting the diversification of curricula and educational systems, the introduction of targeted education (Category B), the effects resulting from children dropping out of schools, increased illiteracy, gender disparities, non-compliance with academic calendars, changes in examination schedules, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Hayat Al-Nabulsi from the Department of Psychology discussed the psychological causes and impacts of displacement on individuals and societal groups, including children, teenagers, women, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical illnesses.

Dr. Abeer Surour, from the Department of Sociology, addressed the social effects of displacement and its impact on society in all its spectra, through a field research paper conducted on displaced individuals from various backgrounds.

Dr. Safinaz Jawich from the Psychological Counseling Department delivered a lecture on the psychological impact of forced displacement on the mental health of the displaced, emphasizing the importance of mental health for individuals and how to provide psychological services to different groups of people.

Director of Sham Land Foundation, Mr. Bassel Dunia, emphasized the importance of this workshop in shedding light on the consequences of forced migration, the psychological and social pressures, and the resulting psychological disorders experienced by displaced people.

The workshop was attended by Dean of Faculty of Education, Dr. Maha Zahlouk, deputy deans and heads of departments, as well as a gathering of faculty members and students.