How EduApp4Syria’s Winning Games Are Transforming Education for Refugee Children
An international coalition of humanitarian organizations has unveiled the winning educational apps from the EduApp4Syria competition—an initiative designed to address the literacy crisis among Syrian refugee children. With 2.5 million displaced children lacking access to formal schooling, these innovative apps aim to bridge the gap through engaging, game-based learning.
The Winning Apps: Combining Fun and Education
Two standout apps emerged as winners after rigorous evaluation:
- Feed the Monster – Developed by Apps Factory, the Center for Educational Technology, and the International Rescue Committee, this game teaches Arabic literacy through a captivating monster-collecting mechanic.
- Antura & The Letters – A collaboration between Cologne Game Lab, Video Games Without Borders, and Wixel Studio, this app blends animated storytelling with interactive quizzes to reinforce reading skills.
The EduApp4Syria Initiative: A Global Effort
Backed by a $1.7 million investment from the Norwegian government and partners like USAID, World Vision, and the Australian Government, the competition sought digital solutions to support displaced children.
Key Objectives:
- Leverage smartphone accessibility among refugees
- Combine education with engaging gameplay
- Ensure cultural and linguistic relevance
Behind the Scenes: A Game Developer’s Perspective
Alf Inge Wang, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the competition’s lead, emphasized the importance of balancing learning and fun.
“One of my goals is to find the sweet spot between education and engagement,” Wang said. “These apps succeeded because they made learning feel like play.”
Why Smartphones Are a Game-Changer
During research visits to refugee camps, Wang observed an unexpected trend: high smartphone adoption among displaced families. Despite leaving most possessions behind, refugees prioritized keeping their devices to stay connected with loved ones and preserve memories.
“Smartphones were their lifelines,” Wang noted. “This made digital education not just possible, but practical.”
From Concept to Reality: The Development Journey
The competition began in September 2015 with 78 submissions, narrowed down through multiple phases. Finalists received funding for further development and testing, with direct feedback from refugee children ensuring the apps were both effective and appealing.
Spreading the Word
The winners were announced at UNESCO’s Mobile Learning Week Conference, amplifying visibility among NGOs and educators. Moving forward, the team plans to collaborate with telecom providers and refugee aid organizations to expand access to these critical learning tools.
The Bigger Picture
This initiative highlights how technology and innovation can address humanitarian challenges, offering scalable solutions for education in crisis zones. By merging gaming mechanics with literacy training, these apps provide hope—and opportunity—for millions of displaced children.
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