Expanding Learning Opportunities for Refugees in North Africa

Open Schools Worldwide is expanding its reach into North Africa, collaborating with a partner organization on a pilot project that will serve refugees from a neighboring country. Open Schools is a ministry of TeachBeyond that serves learners who don’t have access to formal education, while introducing them to the hope of the gospel.

From November 10-14, Open Schools conducted training in the region. Three people were trained, the Program Director from a partner organization and 2 locals. They will go on to train the volunteers who will implement the program.

Those who participated in the November training were taught the Open Schools curriculum for literacy and numeracy. They learned about the mission and vision of TeachBeyond and Open Schools. They were also trained in how to lead children to Christ and in the importance of safeguarding procedures.

“Most of these children have either grown up in conflict areas, grown up as a refugee or have recently arrived into the country,” said the program director. “So, to create a space where children can come and be loved and cared for, to learn to read and write and learn the basics of numeracy is really critical.”

Open Schools Executive Director Angie Pape says she is excited about the relationship with the partner organization. She hopes this partnership will expand into other creative access countries and contexts where children don’t have access to education.

“We’re very excited about what this project will do for those children and for the Lord to open more doors in that region so we can touch more lives,” Angie said.

The program, which will likely begin as an after-school program, is anticipated to start in February or March of 2026.