Digital Citizenship Project – Borderless

Shahed El Sheikh Hamzeh Path to Livelihoods: An Ambition to Open a Small Business – Digital Citizenship Project–Borderless

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.

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Empowered Echoes: Shiraz Al Amer’s Symphony of Change – Digital Citizenship Project–Borderless

Shiraz Al Amer

Shiraz, a 28-year-old Syrian refugee, embraced her challenges as steppingstones rather than stumbling blocks. Married at 18 and leaving school early, she dedicated herself to family life, but an unfulfilled potential whispered within her. Driven by the desire for her children to be proud, she courageously embarked on a quest to redefine her narrative.
Discovering Digital Citizenship with Borderless, Shiraz enrolled in a digital marketing course, confronting hesitancy and self-doubt. With Yara as her guiding star, the once-shy student blossomed into a confident force of nature. Yara’s mentorship transcended the classroom, impacting Shiraz’s family, marriage, and community.

Completing the course marked a new chapter. Recognizing her teaching prowess, her children’s school offered her a position as the first-grade teacher. Shiraz, now a symbol of empowerment, radiated pride before her students, family, and community. Her transformation resonated not only in her accomplishments but in the reflections of pride in her children’s eyes.

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