Arab Philanthropy Education fund | Refugee Education Fund

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.

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.

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.

Hiba’s Journey: From Shyness to Empowerment Through Technology – LaSer – Digi YESS

Hiba Malas

Hiba Malas, a 17-year-old from Northern Lebanon, is currently studying Life Science at a public school where access to education in computers and technology is limited. Hiba dreams of integrating health professions with technology by creating innovative applications that streamline communication and workflows among healthcare providers. Her vision is to develop solutions that enhance collaboration and significantly improve patient care and health management.

Although Hiba had a computer at home, she lacked the skills to use it effectively and was too shy to ask for help. Her experience improved after joining design thinking training sessions, which boosted her confidence, helped her communicate more openly, and collaborate with classmates. Completing the ICT Essentials course was another turning point, enabling her to use her computer independently, especially for PowerPoint and online research. She also took university mini-courses in mobile programming, where she learned key concepts, explored different programming languages, and built apps using MIT’s block-based programming tool.

Hiba and her friends successfully developed an application titled “لبنان يقاطع” (Lebanon Boycotts) through the MIT program. The app aims to educate users about product boycotting, offering alternatives to boycotted products and allowing users to add new products to the list.

Her favorite quote, “من الظلمات الى النور” (“From darkness to light”), resonates deeply with her journey. For Hiba, it symbolizes the transition from ignorance and confusion to a state of knowledge, clarity, and hope.

Reflecting on her experience, Hiba shared, “I’ve had such a transformative experience thanks to LaSer’s Digi-YESS Digital Leaders Program and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. I came in wanting to learn essential computer skills, and now I feel empowered to use my computer confidently. I’ve learned how to search for opportunities and respond to emails effectively—skills I never thought I’d master. Thanks to this training, I’m now volunteering with ‘نحن متطوعون,’ and it feels amazing to give back to my community. The mobile programming training has deepened my interest in technology and broadened my aspirations. I am now focused on developing an application like WhatsApp, tailored for the medical field, using the MIT program. This aligns perfectly with my interests and my goal of making a meaningful difference in healthcare.”

Hiba’s plans include enhancing the boycotting application by adding features that allow users to manage items more efficiently and minimize bugs. She is also dedicated to advancing her programming skills by studying JavaScript, which will enable her to implement more sophisticated functionalities and grow as a developer. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance in pursuing a brighter future.

From Resilience to Creativity: Abdullah’s Journey to Reclaiming Dreams Through Graphic Design – LaSer – Digi YESS

Abdullah Ammar

Abdullah Ammar, an 18-year-old Syrian, was forced to flee to Lebanon due to the war. Adapting to a new curriculum and language was challenging, but through hard work, he began to excel in his studies. He dreams of studying graphic design, though limited by beginner-level skills and a basic understanding of computers.

Upon joining Digi-YESS: The Digital Leaders Program, Abdullah began developing fundamental computer skills and learning how to navigate the internet safely. Through engaging talk sessions, he discovered that graphic design aligned perfectly with his interests, inspiring him to enroll in the UX/UI course during the second phase of his summer training at Beirut Arab University. Through this training, Abdullah learned the basics of graphic design, developed Photoshop skills, and mastered Figma, a collaborative web application for interface design. Applying his newfound knowledge, he teamed up with friends to create a project called “Food Track” using Figma

Figma

This initiative showcases Abdullah’s creativity and connection to his Syrian heritage. The “Food Track” page design promotes Syrian cuisine, particularly dishes from Homs, through a mobile food truck that travels across Lebanon. The project also includes an online platform where people can explore and share the menu, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

Abdullah’s favorite quote is: “اسأل نفسك واطرح سين، ما دورك في التحسين؟” “Ask yourself and pose a question: what is your role in improvement?”. This mantra inspires him to reflect on his experiences, lessons learned, and personal growth.

“Participating in the Digi-YESS: The Digital Leaders program has significantly enhanced my personal and professional skills,” Abdullah shared. “Now, I can confidently create PowerPoint presentations, use Photoshop effectively, design logos, and understand the psychology of colors. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of graphic design as a field and its importance in the job market. Using Figma, I brought my vision to life with the ‘Food Track’ project. This creation not only highlights the skills I’ve developed but also strengthens my connection to my homeland and celebrates my identity as a proud individual from Homs.”

The training has motivated Abdullah to seek internships at graphic design companies. Equipped with the skills and certifications gained from the program, he is now well-prepared to apply for scholarships, such as the USP scholarship for Syrians, to pursue his dream of becoming a graphic designer, all thanks to LaSer’s Digi-YESS: The Digital Leaders program and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

Safa Mohammad: From a dream to an actual project – INJAZ

Safa Mohammad,

Here is Safa’s story in her own words:

“I was always looking for an opportunity to unleash my creativity and turn my ideas into reality. I did not know where to start until I participated in the ‘Business Challenge-EBC’ program with the inspiring volunteer Doaa Al-Shaqour. In the eighth grade, I opened new horizons through this program. I learned about the basics of establishing a successful business and acquired valuable skills in planning, implementation, and marketing. I have had a long-time dream of ‘Safa Cake,’ a small business that provides delicious desserts to my colleagues and friends. The ‘Business Challenge’ program inspired me to make this dream a reality.” Thanks to the guidance of volunteer Doaa, Safa learned how to analyze the market and determine its needs. She also acquired effective communication and persuasive marketing skills.

“I started my journey with small steps. I prepared delicious cakes at home and started selling them to my classmates at school. I faced some challenges initially, but my passion and determination pushed me forward.
Over time, my customer base expanded. I began selling cakes through social media sites and participated in school events to introduce people to my products.
I did not limit myself to selling cakes, but I was keen to provide a distinctive experience for my customers. I paid attention to designing attractive packaging and providing excellent customer service.
I did not expect that I would be able to achieve all these achievements in a short time. The ‘Business Challenge’ program taught me that success does not only require talent but also requires effort, perseverance, and determination.”

Israa – YouLEAD – War Child Holland

Israa,

When Israa joined our program, she faced significant challenges, particularly in subjects taught in a foreign language. Her initial registration at You Lead was marked by intense nervousness and anxiety. However, within a month of dedicated support and guidance at the center, Israa’s transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
Reflecting on her journey, Israa shared, “I can’t be more grateful for this opportunity. I constantly reached out to the teachers at the center for help with subjects that were unclear to me in school, where the large class sizes made it difficult to grasp everything.”

One subject, in particular, stood out for her. “Math, what shall I say about it? I never dreamed of passing it, let alone excelling,” Israa confessed. Her joy and relief were palpable as she added, “I am so happy, and no words of thanks can truly express my gratitude for what you’ve done.”
Israa’s success story is a testament to the power of focused support and the impact of a nurturing educational environment. Her journey from anxiety to academic success highlights the importance of personalized attention and the difference it can make in a student’s life.

Abdul Hadi – YouLEAD – War Child Holland

Abdul Hadi,

Abdul Hadi’s journey of transformation within the YouLead II Retention Program has been nothing short of remarkable. As he entered the Ninth grade, he faced challenges that impacted his engagement in the classroom. His tendency to talk excessively, avoid writing, and shy away from answering questions revealed a deep-rooted disconnection from the learning environment.
With a steadfast commitment to his growth, we delved into the heart of his challenges. We discovered that Abdul Hadi’s struggle was not merely academic; it was underpinned by a fear of failure and a lack of confidence in his abilities. Undeterred by these obstacles, we embarked on a mission to uplift his spirits and ignite a transformative change.

Over time, we witnessed a profound shift in Abdul Hadi’s attitude and participation—a complete 360-degree transformation. He went from avoiding engagement to eagerly rearranging his seat to maximize his focus during lessons. With newfound determination, he actively participated in discussions and confidently posed thoughtful questions, reflecting his newfound self-assurance.
This success story stands as a testament to the power of tailored support and encouragement. Thanks to the YOULEAD project, funded by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, the Retention Program has made a substantial impact on adolescents like Abdul Hadi.
Abdul Hadi’s journey exemplifies the YouLead II project’s mission: to empower young minds and shape a brighter future for Lebanon. As we continue to nurture potential and inspire growth, let’s remember that every child holds boundless potential, waiting to be unlocked.

Maria Alhaj – ULYP Change

Maria Alhaj,

In the 2023 academic year, alongside the ongoing issues that everyone was facing, school-age pupils confronted a significant task in completing the requirements, filling gaps in their education, and passing their tests. Many people spent much of their time studying and catching up. This added to the rigorous workload and extensive curriculum required before taking the Baccalaureate II official exams. As a result, requesting a Grade 12 student to participate in a program that needs time, even if it promises assistance, is a significant commitment for them, necessitating thoughtful deliberation and hard work. This makes Maria’s achievements, as well as those of all 156 CHANGE students, even more impressive.

In her words, “When I initially heard about the CHANGE program, I wasn’t sure if I should take the time to participate. However, I decided to join the program to explore how it could help me change. It has been almost six months since we started, and I can already tell the difference. To begin with, I needed help answering and comprehending exam questions in English. I also needed more confidence to speak English. Now, with the assistance of this program supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, I am increasing both talents with each session. On the other hand, I have gotten better at dealing with and talking to people. The social skills sessions helped me gain confidence and overcome my shyness. I used to avoid talking to my professors and classmates. Not anymore! I’ve found my voice and love my conversations with others.
The final line is that I am pleased with myself for entering the program. It is worthwhile, and CHANGE is changing me.”

Digi-YESS – The Digital Leaders Program – LASeR

About LASeR

The Lebanese Association for Scientific Research (LASeR) is a non-profit organization, founded in Tripoli, Lebanon in 2009 by 40 university professors who believed in the reform of the education sector & giving more students access to University Education. LASeR offers scholarships, interest-free educational loans, institutional support for universities and schools, and creates linkages to the job market through a variety of hands-on trainings and workshops.

Target: 250 students

Program Description

The Digi-YESS program provides crucial academic and digital skills, psychological support, and career readiness training to vulnerable individuals between the ages of 14 and 25. Participants are introduced to diverse career paths in the technology industry through a combination of workshops, practical projects, and mentorship. After finishing the program, individuals are fully prepared to move on to further education related to the job market, possessing the required knowledge and abilities to thrive in the modern digital era. This transforming journey extends beyond academic assistance, offering comprehensive resources to establish a solid groundwork for future job prospects.

Success Stories