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Policy Plan 2023 – 2027

Introduction

This policy plan outlines the mission, vision, objectives, and strategies of the Simurgh Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of refugee issues and enhancing the prospects for refugees and people on the move in their host countries and regions. We recognize the potential of these individuals as change-makers, serving their communities and increasing their resilience, and contributing to international peace and equitable development.

Mission

We are dedicated to addressing the root causes of refugee issues and enhancing the prospects for refugees and people on the move in their host countries and regions. We see the potential of these individuals as change-makers, serving their communities and increasing their resilience, and contributing to international peace and security. To achieve this, we:

  • Offer skills-based education and development of leadership abilities.
  • Equip individuals with the tools and skills necessary for community development and resilience building.
  • Especially support vulnerable groups, youth, and women.
  • Educate and cultivate dialogue skills, mutual understanding, and inclusiveness between refugees, people on the move, and host communities.
  • Equip communities with the principles and practices of mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution.

Together, we build a peaceful and dignified future for all.

Vision

At Simurgh Academy, we envision a future where refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries, fleeing wars and oppression and staying in neighboring regions, are empowered to transform their communities and contribute to peace and just and democratic developments both locally and in their countries of origin. 

Objectives

  • Provide Skills-Based Education and Leadership Development
    • Implement educational programs that enhance vocational and leadership skills among refugees and people on the move.
    • Develop specialized training modules tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups, including youth and women.
  • Equip Individuals for Community Development and Resilience Building
    • Create initiatives that empower individuals with the necessary tools and skills to foster community development.
    • Promote resilience-building activities that enhance the capacity of individuals to adapt and thrive in their host communities.
  • Support Vulnerable Groups, Youth, and Women
    • Develop targeted programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable segments of refugee populations, with a particular focus on youth and women.
    • Facilitate access to resources and opportunities that enable these groups to achieve their full potential.
  • Foster Mutual Understanding and Inclusiveness
    • Organize educational and dialogue sessions to promote mutual understanding and inclusiveness between refugees, people on the move, and host communities.
    • Cultivate skills in dialogue and mutual respect to bridge cultural and social divides.
  • Promote Principles and Practices of Peaceful Conflict Resolution
    • Educate communities on the principles and practices of peaceful conflict resolution and mutual respect.
    • mplement community-based projects that demonstrate and reinforce these principles in practice.
  • Enhance Prospects for Refugees to Contribute to Peace and Development
    • Develop programs that enable refugees to contribute to international peace and equitable development.
    • Support initiatives that facilitate the integration of refugees into local and international efforts towards democratic and just developments.
  • Build a Peaceful and Dignified Future
    • Collaborate with stakeholders to build a sustainable and dignified future for refugees and host communities.
    • Advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights and dignity of refugees, fostering an environment of peace and security for all.
  • Resource Mobilization
    • Generate financial support for our initiatives.

Strategies

  • Expertise in Leadership Development
    • Design and implement comprehensive leadership training programs tailored to the unique cultural and regional contexts of refugees.
    • Incorporate practical and innovative approaches to leadership that address the specific challenges and opportunities within refugee communities.
    • Engage local and international experts to provide mentorship and guidance, ensuring participants gain a diverse range of perspectives and skills.
  • Enhanced Fundraising Efforts
    • Develop a diversified fundraising strategy that includes seeking donations from individuals, applying for grants, securing sponsorships, and exploring other legitimate funding avenues.
    • Organize fundraising events and campaigns to raise awareness and gather financial support for our initiatives.
    • Establish long-term partnerships with corporate sponsors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies to ensure sustainable funding sources.
  • Strategic Collaborative Partnerships
    • Forge partnerships with organizations, communities, and agencies that align with our vision and mission to amplify our impact.
    • Collaborate on joint initiatives that promote inclusive and ethical leadership, leveraging the strengths and resources of our partners.
    • Engage in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities with partners to enhance the effectiveness of our programs.
  • Robust Network of Alumni
    • Create and sustain a dynamic alumni network that supports ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and community-building efforts.
    • Facilitate regular alumni gatherings, workshops, and networking events to foster connections and share best practices.
    • Utilize the experiences and insights of alumni to continually improve and adapt our programs to meet emerging needs and challenges.
  • Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
    • Implement transparent financial management practices to ensure that all resources are utilized effectively and ethically towards achieving our objectives.
    • Publish detailed financial reports and updates to keep stakeholders informed about the allocation and impact of funds.
  • Advocacy for Policy and Practice Change
    • Advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights and dignity of refugees, fostering an environment of peace and security.
    • Engage in dialogue with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to influence positive change at local, national, and international levels.
    • Raise awareness about refugee issues and promote inclusive narratives through public campaigns, media engagement, and educational initiatives.

Implementation

This policy plan serves as a roadmap for the next four years (2023-2027) and will be revised and updated as necessary to ensure the Simurgh Academy Foundation continues to effectively deliver its mission and realize its vision. Our initial efforts will focus on Turkey, a country hosting the largest number of refugees worldwide. Recognizing that refugee movements are often driven by unpredictable geopolitical issues, wars, and gross violations of human rights, the Simurgh Academy must maintain high adaptive capabilities and operate in a lean and flexible manner, adjusting to changing circumstances. Collaboration with an extensive network of stakeholders and partners is essential for our success.

The policy plan will be executed by a dedicated board committed to upholding the foundation’s mission, vision, and objectives. Key implementation activities include organizing leadership training programs, conducting fundraising initiatives, and fostering partnerships with relevant organizations and communities.

Activities in 2023 & 2024

2023

In 2023, the founders of Simurgh Academy concentrated on critical tasks essential for the organization’s launch. This included completing key administrative work, such as securing our official registration on October 19, 2023, and establishing financial operations. We also prioritized building key relationships and networks vital to our mission and impact.

Our efforts to engage with supporters and identify funding sources have been successful. We secured contributions from private donors and received an initial donation from the Fred Foundation, providing a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

2024

In 2024, we will begin implementing our first educational programs for refugees from Afghanistan living in Türkiye. These programs will focus on skills training for community development and leadership skills, empowering participants to become community change-makers. Concurrently, we will continue to build and strengthen our networks, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Fundraising will remain a central focus, and we will also work towards obtaining ANBI status to enhance our funding capabilities and support our mission.

Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure we meet our objectives, we will consistently monitor and evaluate our programs and activities. Transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms will be implemented to keep our stakeholders informed of our progress and outcomes. We will actively involve stakeholders—participants, partners, and donors—in the evaluation process to gather a wide range of perspectives and feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation.