INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR SYRIAN STUDENTS (MINISTRY OF INTERIOR) /

Interventıon Program for Syrıan Students (Mınıstry of Interıor)

Intervention Program for Addressing Syrian Students’ Language Problems and Antisocial Behaviors

(October 2019 – May 2020)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Intervention Program for Addressing Syrian Students’ Language Problems and Antisocial Behaviors was carried out between October 2019 – May 2020 with the support of the Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Society Relations.

The project was designed and implemented by BIHADER (Başakşehir Imam Hatip Schools Alumni Association) in collaboration with the Başakşehir District Directorate of National Education and Ibn Haldun University’s IPAM (Psychotherapy Application and Research Center).

WHY THIS PROJECT?

Başakşehir hosts one of the largest Syrian populations in Istanbul. Many refugee students face language barriers that hinder academic success and social integration, while others struggle with antisocial behaviors linked to adaptation difficulties.

WHAT DID WE DO?

Two structured programs were developed and delivered:

Hope-Based Language Program (for middle school students): Strengthening hope, resilience, and Turkish language skills through interactive stories and goal-setting activities.
Anger-Based Behavior Program (for high school students): Reducing aggression and improving social functioning through anger management, role-play, and self-control techniques.

Additionally, family seminars were organized to inform parents and support the children’s participation and adaptation.

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED?

Anger: Students in the intervention group reported a significant reduction in the frequency of anger experiences.
Psychological Resilience: No meaningful difference was observed between pre- and post-program resilience scores. This may be due to students already scoring above average at baseline.
Social Behavior: Post-program social behavior scores increased significantly in the intervention group, while no notable change was observed in the control group.
Overall: The anger-based intervention appeared effective in reducing anger frequency and supporting positive social behaviors, although its effect on resilience was limited.

OUR VISION

This project demonstrates that with the right interventions, refugee youth can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It also shows how civil society, schools, and universities can join forces to support integration and well-being in local communities.