Vocational Education Stream

From Daily Laborer to Professional Barista: Hussam’s Journey

Hussam Ibrahim Al-Fdoli

Hussam Ibrahim Al-Fdoli, a 20-year-old from Souf Camp, worked as a daily laborer to support his family, dreaming of a better future but lacking opportunities for higher education. Through a vocational training program in barista skills, offered in partnership with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Hussam gained technical training, life skills, and a transportation stipend that allowed him to commit fully to learning.

His dedication led to an internship at Loyalty Support Services, where he excelled and secured a full-time position. Today, Hussam not only uplifts his family but also inspires other youth in Souf Camp to pursue their dreams, showing how vocational training can transform lives.

“I never imagined I could turn my passion into a career. Thanks to this opportunity, I now have a future I can be proud of.” — Hussam

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Breaking Barriers with Digital Skills: Deya’a’s Story

Deyaa Ibrahim

Deya’a Ibrahim Abu Amra, born in 2001 in Souf Camp, was determined to build a future beyond the limited opportunities available to young women in her community. Seeking a practical career path, she joined a digital skills training program in data entry at the Vocational Training Center, through an initiative with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

The program equipped Deya’a with essential computer skills as well as life skills in communication, confidence-building, and interview preparation. During her internship at Jerash Municipality, she gained hands-on experience that helped her secure a role as a Data Entry Field Officer with the Department for Palestinian Affairs in Baqa’a Camp.

Today, Deya’a has transitioned from trainee to professional, gaining financial independence and recognition. Her journey demonstrates how digital skills and employability training—made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund—can empower young women to overcome barriers and build meaningful careers.

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From Idea to Impact: Nadine and the HoloSchool Team

Nadine Chami

Nadine Chami, an 18-year-old Lebanese computer science student, leads the team behind HoloSchool, alongside Rama Charaf El Dine (UI/UX design), Cyrine Haydar (web development), and Hanan Awwad (digital marketing). Their journey began when they were selected for DIGI YESS, a program by the Lebanese Association for Scientific Research (LASeR) in partnership with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. The program provided training, mentorship, and resources to turn ideas into real solutions.

Through design thinking sessions, HoloSchool was born—a platform aligning with the Lebanese curriculum to make learning interactive and engaging. Students explore concepts like orthogonality and functions in 3D, manipulate shapes with the innovative Touch Cube feature, and visualize mathematical functions dynamically.

The team’s dedication earned them second place at the Educational Summit and laid the foundation for HoloSchool’s official launch. Today, they continue applying their technical, design, and marketing skills professionally, with a vision to expand the platform to physics, chemistry, and biology. Their journey demonstrates how strategic partnerships and hands-on learning through the Digi Yess program empower students to transform ideas into meaningful impact.

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Hassan Alqadri’s Journey into Technology

Hassan Al Qadri

Hassan Alqadri received a JavaScript training scholarship from Luminus Technical University College through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. Despite facing physical challenges, he was determined to grow in technology and build a future rooted in digital skills.

Before the program, Hassan had only basic JavaScript knowledge and limited exposure to structured, hands-on learning. The scholarship gave him access to practical exercises, guided projects, and continuous mentorship, creating an inclusive environment where he could thrive.

Through the course, Hassan mastered DOM manipulation, ES6 concepts, and real-world project development, strengthening his problem-solving skills, discipline, and confidence.

“This scholarship didn’t just teach me JavaScript—it opened a new door in my life and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in technology,” he shares.

Today, Hassan continues to expand his skills, laying the foundation for a promising tech career, made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund and Luminus Technical University College.

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From Determination to Opportunity: Marah’s Journey to Empowerment

Marah

Marah, originally from Sweida, Syria, arrived in the UAE in 2023 to pursue higher studies and advance her career in education. With a diploma in Education and prior experience teaching Grade 1 students in Syria, she sought opportunities to further develop her skills.

Through a partnership with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Marah enrolled in an accredited CACHE 2 – Early Childhood certification program. Completing the program in early 2025, she gained not only professional knowledge but also the confidence to navigate life independently in a new country.

Following the program and career readiness support, Marah secured her first job as a receptionist in Abu Dhabi, becoming the sole breadwinner for her family of seven. While highly skilled in digital technology, her true passion remains education. She aspires to work in a nursery or early childhood center and ultimately hopes to open her own early education facility, using her expertise and dedication to inspire and empower others.



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UNHCR UAE (in partnership with LOTUS)

About UNHCR – UN Agency for Refugees

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.

Target: 175 youth

Program Description

This program supports conflict-affected families in the UAE by improving access to sustainable education and livelihood opportunities. It equips youth and women with certified education and market-relevant skills to enhance their employability or pursue further studies. Key activities include secondary school fee support, remedial and bridging education through the Smart Syrian School, and vocational training with UAE/international certifications. The program also offers mentoring, career readiness support, and concludes with a graduation ceremony and job fair to connect participants with potential employers.

Success Stories
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Learning Again, Dreaming Again: A Girl’s Story of Hope – LOTUS

Shahd

Thanks to the support of Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Shahd was provided the opportunity to continue education at the Smart Syrian School in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Smart Syrian School provides Syrian curriculum approved by the Syrian Ministry of Education. Its remedial classes aim to help students who were out of school to catch up with the curriculum and provide extra support to those who are not doing well.

Shahd was introduced to the school by her neighbor when she was 16 years old and had only completed up to Grade 3. Typically, Grade 3 students are 8-9 years old. She had dropped out after Grade 3 because her family could not afford the school fees in the UAE. Over the past two years at the Smart Syrian School, she has progressed to Grade 9, and she feels that she is one step closer to making her parents proud.

Shahd is from Syria. She was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and lives with her mother and six siblings. Her father passed away a few years ago, and there is no stable income supporting the family of eight. Just like her siblings, Shahd wants to complete her education to access formal employment opportunities to support herself and her family. When she started the Smart Syrian School, she knew nobody and was shy to talk and present herself, as she was one of the elder children in the classroom. However, through the program she was supported by the Syrian School via the online sessions and Lotus Retal via the in- person remedial sessions. Shahd mentions the teachers are extremely patient and accommodating towards all levels. The program has not only helped her progress academically but also gave her a sense of self- worth and confidence to express her opinions and speak her mind.

She mentions, “At a time when I was not going to school, the idea of completing my education was a far-fetched dream to me. Today, this dream is my reality – and I cannot wait to continue living this dream and aim higher and higher” while quoting that she finds herself in a much better situation than her extended family who have migrated into other neighboring countries from Syria. Motivated by her ambitions for personal and professional growth, she seeks to extend the impact beyond herself, aspiring to empower her siblings – who are also enrolled in school and vocational trainings supported by Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

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Planting the Seeds of Hope: How Education Changed His Path – German Energy Academy

Raed Izzat Alzoubi

Raed Izzat Alzoubi, a 22-year-old Syrian, recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering from Al-Zarqa Private University. From the moment he graduated, Raed had a clear goal: to strengthen his skills in the energy field and gain practical experience to complement the theoretical knowledge he acquired at university. He knew that success in the job market required more than a degree, it required real skills and hands-on experience.

Raed searched for a trusted and well-recognized program that could help him achieve his ambitions. This search led him to the German Energy Academy, where he enrolled in the Photovoltaic Installation Course, a comprehensive 240-hour program. For Raed, this wasn’t just a course; it was the foundation for his professional future.

During the program, Raed gained far more than he expected—developing both practical knowledge and real-world application skills that bridged the gap between theory and practice. “The course didn’t only teach me the basics of PV systems; it showed me how to apply these concepts in real projects,” Raed explained. Beyond technical training, the academy also focused on soft skills, preparing him for job opportunities. Collaborating with classmates taught him the value of teamwork and revealed leadership qualities he hadn’t realized he had. This blend of theory, hands-on experience, and collaboration gave Raed the confidence to move forward. “The course closed the gap between me and more experienced engineers. It prepared me to step into the job market with confidence,” he said.

After completing the course, Raed took the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) exam—a certification highly recognized both in Germany and internationally. He passed successfully, marking a major milestone in his career journey. Currently, Raed is interning as a Technical Sales Engineer Trainee at SunRay Company, where he applies his skills and gains valuable hands-on experience. Alongside his internship, he is also pursuing a long-term goal of working in Germany and has started learning the German language to prepare for future opportunities abroad.

When asked about his experience at the academy, Raed said, “The team at the academy is amazing, with both practical and theoretical expertise. They guided us every step of the way. If you get the chance to join the academy, don’t hesitate. It’s a life changing experience that can open many doors for your future.” HTU–German Energy Academy, in partnership with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, played a key role in Raed’s journey.

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The Courage to Begin: A Journey from Hardship to Hope – German Energy Academy

Mohammad Khaldon Hassan 

Mohammed Khaldon, a 22-year-old Syrian graduate of Energy Engineering from AL-Zarqa University, is a young man full of ambition and passion for the energy field. His journey began with several challenges that he faced with determination and courage. Thanks to the German Energy Academy, Mohammed was able to turn these obstacles into opportunities and take his first steps toward achieving his dreams.

After graduating, Mohammad found himself struggling to enter the job market, which required practical experience he lacked. This was a significant barrier, especially since he noticed a big gap between the theoretical knowledge he gained at university and the practical skills demanded by employers. Moreover, Mohammad faced difficulties building professional connections or reaching out to companies due to his limited network and lack of practical experience. Amid these challenges, Mohammad knew he needed a real opportunity to enhance his skills and gain the practical knowledge required to succeed. While searching for solutions, one of his friends, who had previously joined a course at the German Energy Academy, strongly recommended it to him. His friend highlighted the academy’s comprehensive and practical training programs, which are recognized and valued in the industry. Motivated by this recommendation, Mohammad decided to enroll in the Photovoltaic System Design course, marking the beginning of his professional transformation.

From the very first day at the academy, Mohammad knew he was in the right place. The course in photovoltaic system design offered a well-balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, led by experienced instructors with deep industry expertise. He developed strong skills in designing and analyzing photovoltaic systems and contributed to a major hands-on project that allowed him to apply what he had learned in a real-world setting. He also attended a career day organized by the academy, where he connected with leading energy companies—an opportunity that helped him build a solid professional network and explore promising job prospects.

Upon completing the course, Mohammad saw a significant boost in his confidence and capabilities, bridging the gap between himself and more seasoned engineers. With the academy’s support, he secured his first freelance project and later joined “SAMT,” a leading energy company, as a Design Engineer. Today, he applies his training to real-world photovoltaic system designs. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “The German Energy Academy provides top-notch training that truly prepares you for the job market. I highly recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges. When I first joined, I never imagined I would gain so much. I am truly thankful for this opportunity and encourage everyone to take advantage of it.” Special thanks to the German Energy Academy and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund for making this possible.

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A Path Rekindled: Khaled’s Return to the Classroom – LOTUS

Khaled

Khaled was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is a 17-year-old Palestinian National from Syria and lives in the UAE with his mother, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Khaled’s parents came to the UAE in 1971. His father was a high school graduate, and mother studied till Grade 6. Neither of them had any formal job and have sustained their family’s livelihood by doing odd jobs. Khaled’s mother taught him how to read and write. He had not received any formal education until he saw an advertisement for Lotus Retal and came by the center to inquire. Madame May immediately registered him in the SMART Syrian school. He was assessed to be at Grade 5 when he was 15 years old. Thanks to the support of Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Khaled was provided with the opportunity to continue education at the Smart Syrian School in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Smart Syrian School provides the Syrian curriculum approved by the Syrian Ministry of Education. Its remedial classes aim to help students catch up with the curriculum and provide extra support to those who are not doing well. Today Khaled is in Grade 9.

Khaled reflects on his journey at the school as a true success story. When he first arrived, his transition was difficult—he was shy, had no friends, and often kept to himself, hesitating to participate in class or interact with others. However, after 6-7 months, he began to form friendships that helped him build confidence, stay motivated, and enjoy being at school.

Khaled has a passion for Math and Physics. He wants to study and graduate so he can work and stabilize his family situation as he remembers the difficult childhood he faced while neither his father nor mother had a sustainable livelihood.

Khaled now dreams of many future careers, including becoming a businessperson, photographer, fitness instructor, real estate agent, and marketing specialist. No longer the shy 15-year-old, he is eager to engage with others and expand his horizons. He is also enrolled in Physical Education, Cashier, and Digital Marketing vocational courses, sponsored by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, with plans to graduate and secure a job by the time he turns 18.

Feeling proud of the transformation in both his personality and outlook, Khaled is hopeful that more children like him can experience the same positive change and growth.

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

Contact Us

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

For Media related enquiries: pr@alghurairfoundation.org

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