How to maximise the impacts of cash transfers for vulnerable adolescents in Jordan

Jordan’s population grew considerably in the last decade, as it took in more than a million Syrians fleeing civil war and has attempted to ensure refugees are housed, fed and educated. Though results have been largely positive, significant gaps remain. Unemployment is exceptionally high and most Jordanians are poorer than they were a decade ago. Moreover, primary education is not yet universal, with Syrian children particularly likely to be out of school.

The Hajati cash transfer programme is a key initiative from UNICEF Jordan to support vulnerable Syrian and Jordanian households with school-aged children to access education. UNICEF also manages the Makani programme, a nationwide initiative providing learning support, child protection services and referrals.

This report identifies barriers to education in Jordan, taking into consideration gender and disability status differences, and provides evidence-based recommendations for overcoming these, with a particular focus on strengthening the Hajati programme and maximising its synergies with Makani centres.

Suggested citation

Abu Hamad, B., Jones, N., Małachowska, A., Presler-Marshall, E. and Neumeister, E. with Denney, C.,  Pollard, M. and Simpson, O. (2021) How to maximise the impacts of cash transfers for vulnerable adolescents in Jordan. Report. London: ODI. (https://odi.org/en/publications/how-to-maximise-the-impacts-of-cash-transfers-for-vulnerable-adolescents-in-jordan/)