Presentation of USEK on RESCUE project by Rima Mattar- Regione Apulia Representation in Brussels @UNIMED Week in Brussels

1. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
• RANIERO OK

2. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Refugees Education Support
in MENA Countries - RESCUE
Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
(USEK)
Dr. Rima Mattar
Deputy President for International Affairs and Global
Initiatives

3. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
USEK participation in the RESCUE
project
2016-2019
Specific Lebanese Context
Refugees and Vulnerable Students
Inclusive units to serve the entire community

4. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Overview of RESCUE at USEK
Raised
awareness
among
USEK
community
Training and
study visits
for USEK
staff
New
structures at
USEK

5. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Raising Awarness
Within the frame of RESCUE, visits have been conducted in many schools
from the region of Jbeil – Keserwan:
• Visits conducted by a team led by Prof. Hoda Nehme
• Crucial need of psychological support identified
5-8 years old: capacity to
adapt to their new
environment. Difficulties
have been identified but they
have a minor impact
compared to the difficulties
observed for older children
10-14 years old: the process
is more difficult because they
are aware of the war and its
consequences.

6. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Trainings and Study Visits
• Skills and knowledge
• Enhanced engagement
• Change of perspective in dealing with traumatized students
• Increased self-esteem and responsibilities
• Increased team cohesion

7. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
USEK R-SOS Unit
International Help Desk
• Migrants as well as international students may need specific support
• Orientation/guidance among USEK units and campus facilities
• International advising (opportunities offered by NGOs or international
organizations, etc.)
• International projects that could increase opportunities for vulnerable
students.
Counselling Center
• Counseling services (Individual or group counseling)
• Crisis intervention and orientation
• Confidential short-term counseling groups and workshops
• Psychoeducational programs (awareness raising and prevention)

8. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
CHALLENGE FOR UNIVERSITIES
Having highly qualified specialists to provide the
needed psychological support to university
students who faced these traumas.
Conflicts/Crisis
situation
Trauma and
psychological needs
Responses of HEIs
Why the Psychological Support is
crucial?

9. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
USEK response
• Syrian students who need additional language courses have
access to USEK language courses as regular students
• USEK offers also many services to its students (Careers
Office, Student Affairs Office, Registrar, etc.)
• Syrian refugees who are enrolled at USEK mainly need
psychological support to pursue their studies more than
linguistic or educational support.
• Staff of this unit, the USEK Counselling Center, have been
trained on traumatism due to conflicts and wars and would
be able to help students who faced these situations.

10. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
R-SOS Official Opening
March 14, 2019

11. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019

12. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Conclusion
Creation of
psychological units
in other HEIs
Development of
psychological
support programs by
the NGOs
Creation of special
units to deal with
trauma and
psychological issues
due to war/conflicts
Future actions at USEK:
• Campaigns on USEK main campus and regional campuses to promote the
services offered by the Help Desk and UCC (R-SOS)
• Updated trainings to maintain the development of the R-SOS unit and adapt the
delivered services to the context and address new needs and challenges.
Impact on other institutions: USEK aims to share its experience with other key
stakeholders in order to raise awareness about the importance of psychological
support

13. UNIMED WEEK IN BRUSSELS
19-21 MARCH 2019
Thank you !