Freie Universität Berlin Partners with Kiron Open Higher Education Through Memorandum of Understanding
Since 2015, Kiron, an education technology non-profit organization, has been devoted to providing accessible education to refugees and underserved communities worldwide. Through Kiron Campus, its online learning platform and other educational programs, Kiron empowers individuals who have experienced forceful displacement with transformative skills for the future of work, thus strengthening society. As a pioneering leader in the education sector, Kiron also offers sustainable solutions for other organizations through its social business, Kiron Digital Learning Solutions. Kiron operates offices in Germany and Jordan, ensuring its reach and impact extend to diverse regions.
In signing the MOU, Freie Universität Berlin has made it clear that Kiron students are welcome to use the university’s libraries and other public spaces on campus. The doors of Freie Universität are open to Kiron students, who can now make use of available communal rooms and workspaces across the university libraries, as well as access the internet via Free_Wifi_Network. This will be of great benefit to the approximately 200 Kiron students currently living in Berlin. Furthermore, the MOU makes it possible to communicate information regarding the specifics of the collaboration more broadly across the university.
The aim of the partnership is to emphasize the importance of providing meaningful support to refugee students and ensure that Freie Universität Berlin continues to break down barriers that prevent the inclusion of disadvantaged groups. Freie Universität sees itself as an institution of higher education committed to taking on responsibility, especially on a global scale. The founding principles and values that characterize Freie Universität Berlin also play a key part in its collaborations. Freie Universität Berlin prides itself on being a university with an international focus. This is something that should be felt by all university members, with its campus being a place of cultural and linguistic diversity. A global outlook and a culture of tolerance are keystones of the university’s identity. In partnering with Kiron, Freie Universität Berlin is also providing its students with the opportunity to volunteer with the non-profit organization.
How Can Students at Freie Universität Berlin Get Involved?
German Language Courses and Language Cafés: Kiron is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would be able to teach German language courses. Language cafés are informal online sessions where participants get the chance to brush up on their language skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Volunteers who sign up to help organize these events play a role in actively improving the communication skills of refugees. If you would like to get involved, sign up here. Kiron coordinates the project with the online learning platform Lingoda.
Specialized mentors: Kiron offers a mentoring program aimed at helping refugees find work in Germany and position themselves as skilled workers. Volunteers with expertise in a certain specialized area are encouraged to act as mentors and help support the members of Kiron’s community. The mentoring program is aimed at empowering refugees by providing them with additional support and information. Students looking to get involved can apply to be a mentor in the THRIVE Program, an online further training program for women+ who are refugees or have an immigrant background.