Successful integration efforts will benefit from information on the profile of refugees such as their age, gender, education, skills, and employment background. While systematic data so far remains scarce, United Nations records shows that more than half of all Syrian refugees are under the age of 18. Such a large share of children and youth is a major opportunity: if host countries ensure quick access to quality education and training opportunities, they can equip this young, but disadvantaged, generation of refugees with the tools to succeed—either in their host country or, in the case of return, eventually back in their home country. Education is also a key vehicle to transmit host country values and provide orientation on civic life. It is obvious: Education and training will be central to successful integration efforts.

Christian Bodewig, the lead education specialist at the World Bank, pens this worth reading analysis on why Education is the key to integrating refugees in Europe

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