Secondary Education Stream

Finding Her Voice: Jana’s Journey of Confidence

Jana Thouqan

Jana Thouqan, a ninth-grade student at Khalidiya School in Mafraq, was known for her intelligence and creativity, yet her shyness often kept her in the background. Struggling to express herself and connect with classmates, Jana’s confidence and participation in class were limited.

Through a school remedial club implemented in collaboration with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Jana joined a supportive space focused on communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. With encouragement from her teachers and peers, she gradually began engaging in group discussions and taking on leadership roles.

A defining moment came when Jana spoke at the school’s morning assembly. Standing confidently before her peers, she delivered her speech with clarity and courage, marking a turning point in her journey.

Today, Jana participates actively in class, has built meaningful friendships, and has discovered a passion for public speaking. Her story reflects how the right support and safe learning environments, made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, can help students unlock their potential and believe in their own voice.

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A Journey of Confidence and Discovery: Sara’s Experience at the Student Forum

Sara

Sara, a tenth-grade student at Jumana Secondary School for Girls in Ramtha, had always been eager to learn but had limited exposure to learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Like many students, she felt unsure about her future and unfamiliar with technical and vocational pathways.

Through the Student Forum, delivered in collaboration with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Sara explored technical fields for the first time through hands-on workshops, interactive group discussions, and practical career guidance. She participated in sessions on carpentry, refrigeration, and air-conditioning, discovering new interests and gaining confidence through real-life learning experiences.

One defining moment came during a carpentry workshop, where an activity on overcoming shyness helped Sara see her own strength and potential. By the end of the forum, she returned home more confident, curious, and empowered to make informed choices about her future.

Today, Sara has a clearer understanding of both academic and technical pathways and believes she can build her own opportunities—step by step—thanks to the experience made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

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From Uncertainty to Inspiration: Obadah’s Journey

Obadah

Obadah, a ninth-grade Syrian student at Abu Ubaidah School in Madaba, struggled for years with traditional academic subjects and felt uncertain about his future. While his family believed the vocational and technical education track (BETC) might suit him, Obadah lacked clarity about what this pathway meant.

Through the Thematic Weeks initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund and the Madrasati Initiative, Obadah explored vocational education through hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, and family-engaged activities. A visit to Luminus University proved transformative—especially the hospitality and culinary labs, where he discovered a strong sense of belonging and a new passion.

Today, Obadah confidently understands the vocational pathway and plans to pursue hospitality studies. With his family’s support, he now sees his future with confidence, inspired by opportunities made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

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From Fear to Fluency: Ahd’s Path to Empowerment Through English – Madrasati

Ahd Abu Hassan

Ahd Abu Hassan, an eleventh-grade student at Al-Khansa School in Madaba, had always struggled with English. While she excelled in other subjects, English felt daunting and difficult to grasp. Deep down, she longed to speak the language fluently and confidently, but her fear of making mistakes held her back. Before receiving support, English was one of her least favorite subjects, and she often hesitated to participate in class.

The remedial English club at Al-Khansa School was designed to provide students like Ahd with a supportive and non-judgmental environment to practice and improve their English skills. Through interactive exercises and consistent encouragement from dedicated teachers, the club helped students build confidence and develop their language proficiency.

Ahd’s greatest challenge was her fear of speaking English. Lacking confidence in her ability to communicate, she avoided class discussions and felt uncomfortable practicing in front of others. This fear hindered her progress and limited both her academic and personal growth.

With support from the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund and the school’s remedial English club, Ahd began receiving the guidance she needed to overcome her fears. The club offered structured learning opportunities, interactive speaking sessions, and role-playing exercises that gradually boosted her confidence and language skills.

Ahd attended the remedial sessions regularly, engaging in role-playing, discussions, and interactive exercises that improved her speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills. As her hesitation faded, she grew more confident and began embracing new challenges, like delivering short presentations in class. The club transformed her self-confidence and communication skills, sparking a passion for public speaking, strengthening her relationships with peers, and encouraging active participation in school activities. Her improved English not only boosted her academic performance but also enhanced her leadership abilities.

A defining moment in Ahd’s journey came when she volunteered to host the school’s morning assembly in English—a reflection of her remarkable growth in fluency and confidence. Her transformation inspired other students to overcome similar challenges, leading to increased participation in the remedial English clubs and a noticeable boost in students’ confidence with the language. “I used to fear speaking English, but now I love expressing myself in the language. The support I received helped me believe in myself, and now I want to inspire others to do the same.” – Ahd Abu Hassan

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Her Greatest Investment: A Future Built Through Education – Digi YESS – LaSer

Bassima Sweid

Bassima Sweid, a dedicated participant in Digi YESS program, initially struggled with technological limitations, particularly in areas such as word processing and using email. She recognized these gaps in her digital skills and actively sought ways to transform them into strengths.

She was determined to make a meaningful change in her life by acquiring new skills. Bassima aimed to enhance her digital competence, particularly in computer basics, programming, and web design. Furthermore, she understood the importance of improving her ability to use data analysis tools, which were crucial for advancing in her career.

Through the program, she learned the ins and outs of computer basics, email, website design, and logo creation. Through team collaboration, she developed her teamwork abilities, and the Design Thinking sessions helped her cultivate a creative problem-solving approach.

Bassima’s journey culminated in the creation of her own project, “Octogo,” an app designed to help high school students manage their time and organize their study plans. The app allows students to find suitable tutors, learn in their preferred style, and assess their knowledge through mini quizzes, helping them focus on areas needing improvement. The app was developed using tools like Figma and AI for design purposes, allowing Bassima to apply everything she learned during the program.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Bassima now feels more equipped for her future endeavors. She plans to continue developing her technology skills and hopes to empower others by sharing her knowledge. Her goal is to become both a consumer and a creator in technology.

Bassima’s Reflection on Her Journey:

‘The program not only gave me the tools to improve my technical abilities but also helped me grow as a person. It gave me the confidence to take on challenges, adapt to changes, and keep pushing forward. I feel prepared for the future now, and I am excited to keep learning and contributing to the digital world. This journey has truly shaped who I am today, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”

Bassima’s journey is a testament to the power of education, persistence, and the willingness to embrace change in the face of challenges thanks to the Digi-YESS program and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

Her Inspirational Quote: “Make every day an opportunity to be better than you were yesterday.”

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Aisha’s Journey: Turning Challenges into Opportunities Through Hope, Planning, and Technology – Digi YESS – LaSer

Aicha Massri

Before joining the program, Aisha was deeply passionate about technology but lacked a clear understanding of how to integrate it into her life and future career. She faced challenges in acquiring digital skills and mastering design thinking and was searching for an opportunity to enhance her abilities. Aisha decided to join the program to improve her technological and soft skills while refining her approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Initially, Aisha struggled with effective communication, teamwork, and creative thinking. She also wanted to strengthen her design thinking and become more adept at using modern technological tools. The program gave her the skills she was seeking, including time management, analytical thinking, and teamwork. Aisha learned how to approach challenges positively, plan for her career, and leverage technology for personal and professional growth.

During the program, Aisha contributed to the development of a tech project focused on building an app called “Peerfect.” The app aimed to help students better understand their lessons and overcome academic challenges. Through this project, Aisha applied her newfound skills in coding, machine learning AI, problem analysis, design thinking, and team collaboration. This experience significantly boosted her confidence in her abilities.

Aisha’s biggest challenge was her fear of failure. However, with support from the program, she overcame this fear and built a powerful sense of self-confidence. Upon completing the program, Aisha found herself with a clearer vision for her future and felt more confident in her ability to tackle challenges.

Aisha favorite quote: “Don’t wait for the opportunity; create it yourself.” This reflects her belief that success originates from within, and through determination and will, she can achieve her goals and realize her dreams. Looking ahead, Aisha aspires to continue her education in technology and use the skills she gained to develop her own projects. She dreams of working in a field that empowers youth through technology.

Aisha’s Personal Reflection: “Before joining Digi-YESS program, I wasn’t sure how to turn my passion for technology into something impactful. But this program helped me gain the skills and confidence I needed to succeed. I now have a clearer vision for my future, and I’m excited to use what I’ve learned to empower others. Digi-YESS program was truly a turning point for me, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn in such a supportive environment.”

Aisha’s participation in Digi-YESS program in partnership with Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund significantly contributed to her personal growth, helping her build a strong and independent personality.

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A Chance to Learn, a Chance to Dream: Nadine’s Story – Digi YESS – LaSer

Nadine Chami

Nadine, a 17-year-old Lebanese student, began her journey with Digi-YESS program unsure of what to expect. Initially, she questioned whether it would be worth dedicating her entire summer vacation to the program. However, as time passed, Nadine realized the value of the opportunity and embraced the challenge. The program not only helped her develop critical digital skills but also facilitated her personal growth and boosted her confidence.

Nadine was particularly focused on enhancing her public speaking abilities, gaining clarity on her future aspirations, and improving her overall personality. Through a combination of workshops, practical experiences, and mentorship, she successfully developed these skills, which are now crucial to her future endeavors. Digi-YESS program also introduced her to the professional work environment and university life, giving her the insight and confidence to step into the next phase of her academic and career journey.

One of the standout experiences for Nadine was working on a team project where she developed Holoschool, a website designed to make learning mathematics more accessible by using 3D geometric shapes. The project allowed her to apply the coding skills she learned during the program, providing a hands-on opportunity to see how technology can solve real-world challenges. Nadine also took on a leadership role within her team, which helped her refine her teamwork and leadership skills.

Nadine’s Reflection: “Joining Digi-YESS program was the best decision I could have made. It was a life-changing experience. I gained confidence in my abilities, learned essential technical skills, and developed a clear vision for my future. The mentors and peers I met along the way have had a profound impact on me, and I am truly grateful for their support. This program has given me the tools to succeed in the future, and I feel ready to take on whatever comes next.“

Nadine’s journey is a testament to the Digi -YESS program in partnership with Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund’s ability, to empower young individuals, helping them build not only academic and technical skills but also the confidence to pursue their goals and overcome challenges.

Nadine’s preferable quote is “Struggles shape us; through them, we grow stronger.”

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Finding Her Voice: 16-Year-Old Hayat’s Journey to Empowerment at a UNICEF Makani Centre – UNICEF

Hayat

A refugee camp forces children to grow up far too quickly. When I arrived nearly ten years ago, I was overwhelmed by disorientation and heartbreak. Life was unimaginably hard, and I’ll never forget our first day—pitching a tent and receiving only the basics: mattresses, blankets, and a few kitchen essentials. Over time, conditions improved with caravans, water, and electricity, but my parents, wanting to protect me, rarely let me leave home except for school. Two years ago, a friend encouraged me to join the Makani program, sharing how much it had helped her. I convinced my parents to let me try it—and that decision changed my life.

The Makani program and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund gave me something precious: the opportunity to be a child again. For the first time, I felt I was regaining a part of the childhood I had lost when I became a refugee. It has transformed me into the confident and capable girl I am today. At Makani, we learn but also enjoy fun activities. For the first time in years, I was able to play. I’ll never forget the joy of running around the football field with other girls. It inspired me to take full advantage of everything Makani had to offer—arts and crafts, football, and volleyball. Having a safe space to play without fear of judgment was extraordinary. Being part of a sports team for the first time was an empowering experience. It helped me build confidence and develop new friendships.

The protection classes at Makani equipped me with essential life skills, like handling harassment and bullying, and taught me to express my feelings and stand up for myself and others. One of my favorite activities is the computer course—it became a window to the world, helping me dream beyond life in the camp.

“Makani has transformed me. I’m so different from who I was two years ago. I’m smarter, more confident, and at the top of my class. My parents are proud of me and trust me more because of how much I’ve grown. They now see me as capable and strong, someone who can protect herself. Not only did I pass Grade Nine—but I excelled. I was among the highest achievers in my school, scoring 97.6 percent. My goal is to become the first member of my family to graduate. I dream of going to university to study journalism because I want to be a voice for others. This camp is full of people with amazing talents and skills, but they lack opportunities to shine. I want to tell their stories, highlight their potential, and ensure their abilities don’t go to waste. The Makani program means everything to me. Without it, I wouldn’t have come this far.”

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Resilience Redefined: The Transformative Gift of Learning – Relief International

Aya

Aya’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. After fleeing Syria with her family in 2014, Aya arrived at the Azraq Camp in Jordan. The journey was grueling, marked by sandstorms, extreme heat, and scarce resources. Despite these hardships, Aya was eager to resume her education after missing a semester during the move. However, catching up proved challenging due to overcrowded classrooms and the learning gaps she faced.

Thanks to Relief International and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund they offered Aya access to their Remedial Education program. This initiative significantly improved her academic performance and enriched her social life. Aya thrived—making friends and actively participating in various activities.

However, when both her parents found jobs—her father in Saudi Arabia and her mother within the camp—Aya had to take on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. This situation caused her to miss classes and fall behind once again.

Relief International’s opening of an Early Childhood Development center in Village 6 provided a much-needed solution. Aya could now bring her younger brother Ahmad to the center while she attended school. This arrangement allowed Aya to focus on her education and regain her academic standing, while Ahmad benefited from early childhood education.

Now, as Aya prepares to enter eighth grade, she is excited to return to school full-time, reconnect with her friends, and work toward a brighter future.

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Empowering Peers Through Learning: Yaman’s Journey with the Enterprise Business Challenge Program – INJAZ

Yaman Nader Al-Bataineh

My name is Yaman Nader Al-Bataineh, and I am a student at Jabal Tareq Elementary School for Boys. My experience with the Enterprise Business Challenge program, supported by INJAZ and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, has transformed my perspective on project management. While I once thought it was an overwhelming challenge, I have learned that with focus, planning, and preparation, it becomes manageable and rewarding.

Before joining the program, I felt hesitant about managing a project. I lacked the confidence to take on such responsibilities independently, believing it required far more experience than I had at this stage in life.

Thanks to the confidence I gained from the Enterprise Business Challenge program, I started envisioning a project that could benefit not only myself but also my family and friends. Since I excel in a variety of school subjects, I decided to organize study groups for my classmates, offering tutoring sessions at a symbolic price. These sessions cover different subjects, scheduled on various days throughout the week.

I began focusing on subjects I excel in and explaining the material in detail to help my peers understand it better. My plan is to continue running these study groups and eventually expand them to include younger students who might need extra academic support.

This experience has allowed me to support my peers academically while also managing a small, practical project. Through offering these study sessions, I have honed my leadership and teaching skills and gained valuable experience in organization and planning. This journey has helped me grow both academically and personally.

“Project management became easier once I learned to focus, plan, and put effort into preparation.”

Many students in my study groups have found the sessions highly beneficial. They appreciate the additional support and the opportunity to review challenging subjects, and their positive feedback inspires me to keep improving and expanding the project.

Today, I am proud of the impact my project has had on my friends and schoolmates. I hope to continue expanding these study groups, including younger students, and helping others improve academically—one session at a time.

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The Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund is administered by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE).

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For any General or Program enquiries:  refugeeeducation@alghurairfoundation.org

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