Hayat
A refugee camp forces children to grow up far too quickly. When I arrived nearly ten years ago, I was overwhelmed by disorientation and heartbreak. Life was unimaginably hard, and I’ll never forget our first day—pitching a tent and receiving only the basics: mattresses, blankets, and a few kitchen essentials. Over time, conditions improved with caravans, water, and electricity, but my parents, wanting to protect me, rarely let me leave home except for school. Two years ago, a friend encouraged me to join the Makani program, sharing how much it had helped her. I convinced my parents to let me try it—and that decision changed my life.
The Makani program and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund gave me something precious: the opportunity to be a child again. For the first time, I felt I was regaining a part of the childhood I had lost when I became a refugee. It has transformed me into the confident and capable girl I am today. At Makani, we learn but also enjoy fun activities. For the first time in years, I was able to play. I’ll never forget the joy of running around the football field with other girls. It inspired me to take full advantage of everything Makani had to offer—arts and crafts, football, and volleyball. Having a safe space to play without fear of judgment was extraordinary. Being part of a sports team for the first time was an empowering experience. It helped me build confidence and develop new friendships.
The protection classes at Makani equipped me with essential life skills, like handling harassment and bullying, and taught me to express my feelings and stand up for myself and others. One of my favorite activities is the computer course—it became a window to the world, helping me dream beyond life in the camp.
“Makani has transformed me. I’m so different from who I was two years ago. I’m smarter, more confident, and at the top of my class. My parents are proud of me and trust me more because of how much I’ve grown. They now see me as capable and strong, someone who can protect herself. Not only did I pass Grade Nine—but I excelled. I was among the highest achievers in my school, scoring 97.6 percent. My goal is to become the first member of my family to graduate. I dream of going to university to study journalism because I want to be a voice for others. This camp is full of people with amazing talents and skills, but they lack opportunities to shine. I want to tell their stories, highlight their potential, and ensure their abilities don’t go to waste. The Makani program means everything to me. Without it, I wouldn’t have come this far.”
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