Shahed ElSheikh Hamzeh
Shahed ElSheikh Hamzeh’s journey from Syria to Lebanon was marked by challenges that disrupted her education, including the trauma of war and the difficulty of adjusting to a new language and school system. Despite initially dropping out of school, Shahed’s determination led her to explore alternative education pathways, taking short courses in Entrepreneurship and English. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new obstacles, with the shift to online learning exacerbating her lack of access to resources and support.
Amidst these challenges, Shahed discovered the Digital Citizenship program by Borderless, and supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Fund, a three-month initiative aimed at empowering vulnerable youth through market-driven skill-building courses. Recognizing the opportunity to continue her education and pursue her passion for entrepreneurship, Shahed joined the program with her parents’ support. Collaborating with her peers in the Digital Marketing course, Shahed developed a business idea centered around selling healthy cakes, inspired by her diabetic grandmother’s inability to enjoy traditional treats.
Through the program, Shahed honed her entrepreneurial skills, gained confidence in public speaking, and embraced her journey as a work in progress. Despite the initial stages of their business idea, Shahed and her team are eager to refine their concept and pilot it in the future. Her story underscores the transformative impact of high-impact education programs in empowering vulnerable youth like herself, emphasizing the importance of embracing spontaneity, learning from mistakes, and persevering through challenges.
