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A project by Office for Foreign Affairs

LieLa Language Courses for Refugees and Local Communities in Turkiye – Phase III

In 2019, Liechtenstein launched the “Turkish and English Language Learning Programme as a Tool for Empowerment and Social Cohesion” for Syrian and Iraqi refugees as well as local communities in Turkiye. The project, which aims to provide refugees and local residents with English and Turkish language skills, was developed jointly with the Liechtenstein Languages Association and the NGO RET International.

In December 2025, the Government approved support for the third phase of the joint project, which will run until 2028.

The results achieved during the previous project phases have been highly positive, and this “flagship project” enjoys strong local acceptance. For the current phase, the course programme has been expanded to include an Arabic literacy course, aimed in particular at facilitating the voluntary return of refugee children who were born and raised in Turkiye to Syria.

Project goals

Reducing language barriers through Turkish, English and Arabic courses to improve integration, access to education and the labour market, as well as return opportunities.

Strengthening social cohesion between refugees and local communities through joint courses and conversation clubs.

Empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women and young people, through targeted literacy training and skills development.

Ensuring sustainable impact through a train-the-trainer approach while enhancing Liechtenstein’s international visibility in the fields of education and integration.