Loyola University Chicago: Offer 10 scholarships to Syrian students
We call on Loyola University Chicago to provide at least 10 scholarships to Syrian students for upcoming classes. We also call on LUC to join the Syria Consortium and encourage other institutions to join by raising awareness about the plight of Syrian students. We also call on leaders of the international community to take action to protect school and students in Syria, by whatever means necessary.
194 supporters
200 needed
On March 15th, 2011, the biggest humanitarian crisis of this era unfolded when elementary school students from the city of Daraa in Syria demanded the fall of their country’s oppressive regime. Five years later, the fatal tragedies of the revolution have surpassed those of the Second World War. The United Nations High Commissioner for refugees stated that Syria is “the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era.”
As a result of the ongoing crisis, millions of high school seniors have seen their dreams and aspirations crushed as the bombs fall on their country’s schools and colleges. With nowhere to continue their studies, these students are forced to leave their country in hopes of continuing their education elsewhere. We, as students pursuing professional careers, understand the importance of higher education, and the vital role that each individual plays in the community. While host countries and the UNHCR can provide primary education to Syrian children, the young Syrian men and women pursuing a higher education face a much more difficult task. With language, logistical, and financial barriers to overcome, these students are unable to continue their higher education without institutional assistance.
With over half the population in Syria fleeing to neighboring countries, European countries, and the United States, the Institute of International Education estimates that 90,000 to 110,000 of those fleeing are qualified for university. With 10,000 Syrian refugees expected to be resettled in America in the next fiscal year, the question of how to help college-aged Syrians obtain a higher education is pressing.
Our campaign “Books not Bombs” calls on universities all around the United States to provide full academic scholarships to Syrian refugees. As a Jesuit institution, Loyola believes that the Christian faith demands a commitment to service. Giving Syrian refugees the opportunity to continue their studies and develop into young professionals promotes justice in the service of others. This is our duty as a Jesuit institution. We are asking that Loyola University fulfills its mission to expand knowledge in the service of humanity by considering assisting these students in attaining a higher education, helping them to “set the world on fire”.
