Imagine reaching your teen years with little or no formal education, simply because school was never an option. This is the reality for hundreds of thousands of young refugees around the world who, without a formal qualification, face closed doors to further education or employment. In Beirut’s refugee camps, Alsama Project is working to change that and have been joined by Libby Adam (MM 2012-17) and Evie McVeigh (MM 2014-19) in making the change.

Alsama serves over 880 students in four non-formal education centres, focusing on teenagers who’ve missed years of schooling due to the circumstances of displacement. Many of these young people, through no fault of their own, arrive at Alsama with almost no foundational skills: 95% of them have had no prior formal education, and 90% begin with us unable to read, write, or perform basic math. Despite these challenges, Alsama’s students make extraordinary progress, achieving literacy and numeracy within just five months. This acceleration does not stop here, and through its 6-year programme, its students are ready for university – setting their sights on a better future.

The G12++ emerged from a pressing need for a recognised certification that would enable these students to access higher education and employment. Without a certification, even the most hardworking and talented students find their paths blocked. The G12++ will be the first exam-based certification designed specifically for refugees, developed with insights from Oxford MeasurEd, Cambridge Assessment, and the University of Leicester. It will evaluate not only academic skills but also critical life skills like problem-solving and collaboration—qualities that truly matter for life success.

Both Libby and Evie came to Alsama’s G12++ team with the hope they could play a role in tackling this challenge. Last year, Evie worked on the team, and now Libby is there to continue that effort. Libby gives credit that “Marlborough taught us the importance of commitment, resilience, and empathy—values that guide our work in Beirut and remind us every day why this project matters”.

In 2026, Alsama’s first students will sit the G12++ exam, a moment that will mark real progress not just for Alsama, but for displaced youth worldwide who want to demonstrate their abilities through a recognised qualification. They are currently refining the exam, beta-testing it to prove the concept, and pursuing international recognition. They are also working on digital solutions so that the G12++ will be accessible even in the most troubled refugee camps.

Whilst this is a long journey, is essential work for those at Alsama. By 2040, they hope that the G12++ will be a global standard for displaced youth, helping to level the playing field and offering young people the chance to pursue the future they deserve.

Alsama is now looking for seed grants for December 2024 and January 2025. If this mission resonates with you, please consider supporting the G12++. Every bit of support helps open doors for youth who deserve the chance to succeed. Reach out for more information.

Alsama Project is looking for its next set of interns, starting in Beirut in February 2025. If you have just finished university or are looking for a meaningful next step in your career, please get in touch with the team.

You can make a donation to support Alsama’s work here.