Fawaz, a remarkable boy from al-Raqqa, Syria, arrived in Beirut, Lebanon in 2014 with his family when he was just four years old. Uprooted from his home and facing an uncertain future, Fawaz's prospects seemed bleak. However, his story is a testament to the transformative power of education, support, and unwavering determination.
When his family first arrived in Lebanon, his mother Rania struggled to find a school for him and his sister. Eventually, she managed to find a place for them in a public school. However, since they missed several years of education and because of the traditional approach of the school, they struggled with literacy and learning throughout.
Starting his Journey with Jusoor
When Rania learned from her neighbors about Jusoor’s Bourj Hammoud Center, she enrolled her children alongside their formal schooling. “Fawaz wasn’t developing well at his school. At Jusoor’s center, he learned, became psychologically better, he also got involved in school activities such as theatre and trips, which motivated him a lot,” she says.
The center offered Fawaz more than just traditional education; it provided a nurturing environment filled with supportive teachers and newfound friends. Here, Fawaz thrived in a setting that ignited his passion for learning.
Jusoor's unique approach resonated deeply with Fawaz. Unlike his previous experiences, learning wasn't a chore; it was an engaging and interactive journey. Games, activities, and child-centric learning made even complex subjects both understandable and enjoyable.
“Education at Jusoor is not traditional, the teachers explained in an interesting way,” Fawaz explained. “We used to play games and have fun with our friends in class.”
Fawaz's foundational skills in both Arabic and English blossomed under the guidance of his dedicated teachers. After several years at Jusoor’s center, Fawaz is studying at a private school in Beirut’s Bourj Hammoud neighborhood. “When I was entering my current school, the things I learned at Jusoor helped me with my tests to be accepted in the school,” he says.
“Fawaz is very special,” Mr. Ziad, one of the center’s teachers, says. “He was very engaged, shared a lot, asked questions, and had a lot of input. He really grew with us. He was a hard worker and always in class.”
Looking towards the future
Fawaz is now preparing for his Brevet Exam, a necessary step to be accepted into High School in Lebanon. As part of his preparation, he attends Brevet support classes at Jusoor’s Bourj Hammoud Center.
There are an estimated 150,000 Syrians aged 15-18 in Lebanon; however, approximately only 6,000 (4%) are currently in school at the secondary level. One enormous barrier to their success is passing the Brevet exam at the end of year 9. While 85% of Lebanese youth pass this exam, less than 15% of Syrians living in Lebanon do. Jusoor’s Brevet Bridging the Gap program works with in-school Syrian children and youth at the Intermediate school level to prepare them for the Lebanese Brevet Exam.
After his high school studies, Fawaz hopes to become a businessman. He also has a keen interest in learning more about economics, investment as well as programming and computer sciences.
“I want to go to university to learn all these things,” Fawaz says. “My teachers at school are encouraging me to go to university and not go to a technical school – I hope my hard work will get me there.”
Fawaz's mother, Rania, beams with pride at her son's accomplishments. She reflects on the positive transformation she saw in her son during his time at Jusoor’s center. Rania emphasizes the importance of education, not just for acquiring knowledge, but for shaping a bright future filled with opportunity.
“A person must be educated as an uneducated person will always be living a basic life; eat, work, sleep, repeat. An educated person has prospects, can have a bright future, has ambitions,” Rania says. “I am proud of Fawaz for having ambition and working hard to achieve this ambition. I pray for him and his sister every minute of every day.”
Fawaz's story is a beacon of hope for refugees and underprivileged youth facing adversity. It is a powerful testament to the potential that can be unlocked when we invest in education, foster supportive environments, and nurture the inherent talents within every child. Fawaz's journey is far from over, but with the unwavering support of Jusoor and his own unwavering determination, he is well on his way to achieving his dreams.
