By Gabriella Bartlett, Lucy Bassett, Charles Bradley, and Grace Shawah
University of Virginia Humanitarian Collaborative

As we mark World Refugee Day in 2025–at a time when over 123 million people are displaced globally due to conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations–it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the resilience and dignity of refugees worldwide. Early lessons from a community-based model in Jordan and Lebanon shed light on a transformative approach to support refugees.

Amna, an organization that is both refugee-founded and led, has prioritized the creation and funding of psychosocial programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of refugees and displaced individuals. Through its Community Partnership Program (CPP), Amna is working to strengthen grassroots organizations and enable them to deliver trauma- and identity-informed psychosocial programming across Lebanon and Jordan through ten local organizations. Both Lebanon and Jordan host millions of refugees, many of whom are escaping conflict in neighboring countries such as Syria. With some of the highest refugee populations per capita, these communities face challenges such as housing shortages, high unemployment rates, and lack of essential health and educational services as the mass influx of people strains the limited infrastructure. The Humanitarian Collaborative at the University of Virginia evaluated the Community Partnership Program across ten local Jordanian and Lebanese organizations, many of which support the same refugee-led structure as Amna. Key takeaways are outlined below.

Key Findings from the Evaluation

1. Substantial Programmatic Reach: In its first phase, the CPP reached over 8,500 participants, including women and caregivers, children, people with disabilities, and migrant workers, representing 170% more people than anticipated.

“We were excited and eager to come here to play, learn, and have fun. We attend activities here twice a week, and we eagerly look forward to these two days.” – Program Participants (Lebanon)

2. Shifts in Values and Practices: Community partners (CPs) have adopted trauma-informed values that prioritize emotional well-being and relational accountability. This shift has fostered a more supportive environment for both staff and participants, emphasizing the importance of mental health in humanitarian work.

“I became calmer. I became more accepting of silence—not afraid of it. Before—if someone was silent in a session—I used to panic inside. I would rush to fill the silence, to keep things moving. Now—I sit with it. I understand that silence has meaning too. That sometimes people need silence before they can speak.” – Facilitator (Lebanon)

3. Innovative Program Delivery: CP staff, equipped with lived experiences, have transformed their facilitation methods through training provided by Amna. This has led to more engaging and participatory sessions, incorporating tools like grounding exercises and identity-sensitive approaches.

“It gives a real structure–a real way to create safe space…It grounded me again in the basics. Like patience. Like the importance of being trauma-informed–not just in theory, but in practice. Really respecting the person in front of you, exactly where they are.” – Facilitator (Lebanon)

4. Positive Participant Outcomes: Many participants reported feeling a renewed sense of calm and emotional expression. Simple tools like breathing exercises, journaling, and art have empowered them to manage their mental health and reconnect with a sense of hope.

“I gained the courage to talk about what I feel. I had a motivation to say what’s inside me, to encourage you that you really have the right to talk about what’s in you. Say what’s in your heart, to release the pressures inside you.” – Program Participant (Jordan)

The Emotional Toll of Displacement

The evaluation underscores the immediate emotional toll that economic precarity and instability inflict on refugee communities. Participants have articulated their struggles, with many linking their psychological distress to financial insecurity. The integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs has become crucial, providing safe spaces for healing and dignity amidst chaos. The positive impact of the program on refugees’ emotional wellbeing in the context of Jordan and Lebanon points to its potential for displaced populations elsewhere.

“I feel like I have more strength inside now.” – Program Participant (Lebanon)

Looking Forward

As we celebrate World Refugee Day, it is vital to recognize the ongoing challenges refugees face and the importance of support programs like those implemented by Amna. Insights from the CPP Phase 1 evaluation highlight not only challenges but also the potential for positive change through community-driven programming. The evaluation also points to the necessity of strategic partnerships and facilitator support to sustain the emotional well-being of those working within these communities. Continued development of trauma-informed practices is essential for fostering resilience among both refugees and aid workers.

By sharing these highlights, we hope to direct awareness to the rights of refugees and displaced individuals, and inspire other organizations to develop inclusive, trauma- and identify-informed initiatives that support forcibly displaced populations in navigating their journeys.