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.

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.