About Us
Edaya is a non-profit organization registered in Sweden since 2013. At Edaya, we have our mind set on one thing; improving the life chances and opportunities of disadvantaged children through innovative educational programs that focus on developing life skills rather than the learning of facts. We strongly believe in nurturing a child’s self-inquiry skills, not only to look up information, but also to comprehend and analyze independently. Through interactive learning techniques that create an engaging classroom environment, students are driven to discover and share knowledge as opposed to submissively and passively receiving them.
Every child holds the potential – given the right tools and skills to discover their passion – every child is apt to making great achievements. Access to education should not be obstructed, and quality education should not be a privilege but rather a right for all children.
What does ‘Edaya’ mean?
Edaya is not only our name, but our ethos. Its meaning fragments into ‘ED’ for education, and the Arabic word ‘Daya’ for light. This metaphorically alludes to our passionate belief in education being a light for the future of children. Access to education can help break the cycle of poverty, and create opportunities for a brighter future.
We know every child possesses the potential, and – given the right skills for life and facilities to discover their passions and enthusiasms – can achieve great things. We are passionate in our belief that constructive education should not be obstructed, should limited by privilege, but a right to all children.
Our Story
Our journey began in 2013 when we first visited an informal refugee school in Lebanon. We met so many kids, full of life, talented and hard working. When we listened to their ideas about their futures and “What do they want to become when they grow up?”
The response was most often “a teacher” – on the surface this seems a noble calling to help others however on further inspection its the lack of imagination which was concerning, this was all they were able to see.
Kids’ imaginations are manifestations of their realities. Their dreams are but reflection of what they see, feel- and live. And when their everyday lives are set in refugee camps, what are the possibilities? From what they have seen, their teachers were their only role models, that showed them love and gave them positive support. Aspiration and individuality are essential for any child and more so for disadvantaged children whose prospects are limited to non-existent, and need to create their own opportunities. So we resolved to help these kids discover who they are and build on what they enjoy and made it our mission.
Mission
Creating innovative learning solutions to empower disadvantaged children and help them realize their potential and pursue their dreams
Vision
A world where children possess the ability and skills to become what they aspire despite of hardships
How Can We Achieve It?
Working with local communities and organizations on the ground, we believe that only together can we address challenges through a collaborative approach, making better use of resources and providing innovative learning solutions
- Complementing existing non-formal education systems through developing and embedding active learning programs
- Working with local communities and organizations on the ground. Together we address challenges through a collaborative approach, making better use of resources and providing innovative learning solutions
- Organizing workshops to support educators with their needs and how to better deploy interactive teaching techniques to engage kids
- Nurturing a positive and participatory learning environment where students actively learn how to learn and collaborate