Re:coded (Yemen)
BH Fellows 2019
Alexandra Clare and Marcello Bonatto
Re:coded (Yemen and Turkey)
Alexandra and Marcello have over 20 years of combined work experience in education, human rights, and social entrepreneurship in more than 10 countries. With the economy depressed by war and millions displaced, job opportunities for youth in Yemen and Turkey are few. In the informal sector, the pay is low and exploitation is high. Consequently, Alexandra and Marcello launched Re:Coded to address this issue by teaching youth coding skills so they can find purposeful employment as software developers in the digital economy, work remotely and avoid negative coping strategies. The program also supports entrepreneurship as a viable and desirable career option and addresses the exclusion and stigma towards refugees by turning the crisis into an opportunity for economic growth.
OUR PROGRAMS
We fund programs, projects and products that aim to positively impact the lives of communities (children, youth, families, etc.) affected by conflict and war in the Middle East.
Technology
Refugee children live under unusual and difficult conditions with little or no access to technology that can improve their lives. With our innovative programs, we are reaching a wide range of children with groundbreaking technology that teach them literacy skills and improve their access to higher education.
EDUCATION
Millions of refugee children are missing out on an education. Without an opportunity to learn, they risk becoming a lost generation with little chance for a better future. Through sustainable programs, our Fellows are working to ensure refugees can learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
The development of the "whole child" from early childhood through adolescence is critical to long-term development and success of all children. Blossom Hill is committed to providing innovative initiatives for refugee children that will not only prepare them for learning and academic success, but empower them with life skills as they continue to live under difficult conditions.
JOB TRAINING
For refugee youth whose education has been interrupted and ability to earn a livelihood undermined by war and conflict, the future is bleak. We are dedicated to empowering these youth to break from the cycle of poverty by offering innovative vocational training in computer skills, business entrepreneurship and language instruction.
