Secondary Education Stream

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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Empowered Dreams: My Entrepreneurial Journey with INJAZ and the Al Ghurair Foundation- INJAZ

Mohammad Haddad

My journey with the Enterprise Business Challenge program began with a simple yet powerful dream: becoming an entrepreneur. However, I lacked the tools and knowledge to turn that dream into reality. From the very first day, I knew I was in the right place. The opportunities and challenges presented in the Enterprise Business Challenge program gave us the perfect kickstart.

I had a vision of the business I wanted to create, but I struggled with essential skills and resources. I didn’t know how to structure my ideas or connect with others to bring them to life.

The Enterprise Business Challenge program offered the perfect solution. Through it, I learned the basics of project management and key entrepreneurial concepts. Each activity equipped me with new tools and skills, empowering me to make progress toward my vision.

During the Enterprise Business Challenge program, I had an eye-opening realization about the power of gratitude in fostering a positive spirit. Gratitude, I discovered, is crucial in building meaningful relationships and maintaining motivation. I also developed essential skills in communication and collaboration with my peers, which fueled my passion and commitment to the field. The workshops helped me refine my business idea and shape it into a clear, actionable business plan. Through teamwork and dedication, I achieved tangible results that filled me with pride and confidence.

By the end of the Enterprise Business Challenge program, I was no longer just a student—I had transformed into a passionate entrepreneur. INJAZ wasn’t just a competition; it was a life-changing experience. I am deeply grateful to the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund for contributing to my success. This journey has taught me that gratitude is a powerful force driving us all to achieve our dreams.

“The Enterprise Business Challenge program taught me that gratitude and collaboration can turn dreams into reality.”

Other participants, like me, found the Enterprise Business Challenge program transformative, particularly in developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and confidence. It helped us see entrepreneurship as an achievable path and gave us the tools to embark on this journey.

Currently, I’m working on developing a website as a direct result of my experience with the Enterprise Business Challenge program. The skills I gained have given me the confidence to take meaningful steps toward launching it. I am excited about the impact it could have on many people’s lives.

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From Hobby to Business: Maryam’s Journey of Transforming Passion into a Venture – INJAZ

Maryam Al-Jaraba’a,

My name is Maryam Al-Jaraba’a, and I’m an eighth-grade student at Zainab Bint Al-Rasoul School. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by a unique hobby: designing accessories. I would spend hours rearranging beads and making bracelets, using this hobby as a way to express my creativity and personality. However, I never imagined it could become something more—until I joined the Enterprise Business Challenge program at my school.

At first, I was uncertain, questioning whether I could transform my passion into a thriving venture. While I loved making accessories, I didn’t know how to take it further. I lacked the knowledge and skills to turn my hobby into a successful business. The Enterprise Business Challenge program changed everything. It wasn’t just a learning experience; it was a flame that ignited my dream

During the training, I learned to create simple business plans, market my products on social media, manage my time effectively, and set prices that reflected the value of my work. The support from my teachers and classmates made all the difference. Their belief in me made me believe in myself.

After the Enterprise Business Challenge program ended, I decided to apply what I had learned. I began by photographing my accessory designs and posting them on social media platforms. To my amazement, the response was incredible! Orders began pouring in quickly—not only from my classmates but from people I’d never met before. I worked hard to fulfill these orders while appreciating the positive feedback I received. This encouragement motivated me to keep going.

Today, I’m more than just a student; I consider myself a young entrepreneur with a growing business. This journey has transformed how I see myself and what I’m capable of. I’ve gained a newfound sense of confidence and ambition.
“The Enterprise Business Challenge program didn’t just change my hobby—it changed my outlook and opened doors I could never have imagined.”

Many of my friends and classmates have shared their admiration for my journey, saying they find it inspiring to see how a personal hobby can evolve into a small business. Their encouragement drives me to continue pursuing my dream. I feel so proud and grateful for this journey that I have been able to embark on, all thanks to Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

I’m thrilled by the impact of my project and excited to expand it even further. What began as a simple hobby has now become a growing business, and I’m ready to keep flourishing, dreaming and reaching for new goals.

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How the Enterprise Business Challenge Program Ignited My Entrepreneurial Journey – INJAZ

Leen Mohammad

When I decided to start my own business, I was filled with a sense of excitement as the Enterprise Business Challenge Program trainer entered our classroom. I knew then that my dream would become a reality. The trainer began discussing entrepreneurship, small businesses, and stories of successful entrepreneurs from around the globe. This program marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.

My dream was to create a project that could increase my family’s income, but I lacked the guidance and understanding to turn that dream into reality.

In the second session, the trainer introduced us to new ways of brainstorming achievable entrepreneurial ideas. The Enterprise Business Challenge program allowed me to start developing a business concept that could work in a real-life setting. Exciting discussions with my parents took place as we explored the endless possibilities together.

The Enterprise Business Challenge program with INJAZ and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund became a turning point in my life and transformed my vision of the future. The program inspired me to approach my goals with the seriousness and dedication they deserved. I began researching entrepreneurship and small businesses online. I put my acquired knowledge into practice by evaluating potential business ideas and looking for ways to support my family financially.

Since enrolling in the Enterprise Business Challenge program, my entire outlook on life has changed. I now spend my free time productively, seeking ways to generate additional income and support my family’s needs. The Enterprise Business Challenge program has taught me to evaluate opportunities more critically, and my parents now regularly discuss entrepreneurship and the future with me. My goal is to own a large, well-known business in the future.

“Thanks to INJAZ and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund I now see the world through a different lens, seeking opportunities to make a difference for myself and my family.”

My parents and friends have been amazed by my incredible transformation. They now believe that my dream of creating a business is not just an idea but a reality waiting to unfold.

Today, my entrepreneurial journey has only just begun. My dream of building a successful business has grown from an idea into a plan—one that I am determined to pursue. I am eager to make this dream come true and am thankful to INJAZ and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund for providing me with the tools to embark on this thrilling new journey.

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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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