Cross-Cultural Collaboration in Educational Development: Co-Creating a Digital Library for Northeast Syria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v13i2.1574

Keywords:

Participatory Action Research, offline digital libraries, digital and information literacy, conflict-affected education, cross-cultural partnerships, multilingual education

Abstract

This study explored the collaborative development of an offline digital library for use in Northeast Syria, highlighting the challenges and achievements of a cross-cultural partnership between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and an educational initiative at Arizona State University (ASU) in the US. Employing Participatory Action Research, the project focused on empowering local communities through technology-enhanced education amidst the region’s complex socio-political landscape. This case study detailed adapting educational tools to meet the area’s diverse linguistic and cultural needs, enhancing access to educational resources, and building digital and information literacy. The project's success demonstrates such partnerships' potential to positively influence educational practices, even in conflict-affected areas, providing a model for future initiatives aiming to integrate technology in challenging environments.

Author Biographies

Laura Hosman, Arizona State University

Laura Hosman is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the Polytechnic School, as well as co-founder and co-director of the SolarSPELL Initiative. Her research interests include information literacy, technology for development, and experiential education. Email: laura.hosman@asu.edu (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8432-4966)

Rachel Nova, Arizona State University

Rachel Nova is Senior Program Manager with the SolarSPELL Initiative at Arizona State University. Her research interests include learning sciences, refugee and crisis education, and educational technology. Email: rnova@asu.edu (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-6985)

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Published

2026-07-13

How to Cite

Hosman, L., & Nova, R. (2026). Cross-Cultural Collaboration in Educational Development: Co-Creating a Digital Library for Northeast Syria. Journal of Learning for Development, 13(2), 339–348. https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v13i2.1574

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026): ISSUE 2

Section

Case Studies

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Hosman, Rachel Nova

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Received 2024-06-28
Accepted 2026-04-13
Published 2026-07-13