Six Months at Amala — A New Future for Odai”
Odai’s story
“When I think about who I was before Amala, and who I am now — almost everything has changed,” says 17-year-old Odai from Yemen.
Odai lives in Jordan with his father and younger sister. When he joined Amala’s Global Secondary Diploma (GSD) programme earlier this year, he was quiet and unsure of himself. Six months later, his confidence has transformed. “Before, I didn’t believe in myself. I thought being a refugee meant my opportunities were limited. But now I know that I can achieve anything if I work for it.”
Odai describes his time at Amala as “a real turning point”. Through courses in social entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, economics, and peacebuilding, he has developed not just knowledge but self-belief. “My confidence has increased a lot. I can join conversations and share my ideas. I’ve learned teamwork, leadership, and how to express myself clearly.”
“When I think about who I was before Amala, and who I am now — almost everything has changed,” says 17-year-old Odai from Yemen.
For Odai, one of the most powerful experiences has been developing Blem, his social entrepreneurship project that empowers refugees to drive positive change. The project engages refugees in funding solutions to issues such as politics, human rights, climate change, inflation, and the impact of technology, enabling greater participation in host communities. “At first, I wanted it to be just one project,” he explains, “but then I thought — why not make it something ongoing in the Amala community?” The project has inspired him to think differently about how education can create change.
Odai says Amala has also taught him the value of diversity and belonging. “At first, I found it difficult to accept perspectives different from mine,” he admits. “But now I’ve learned that diversity is a strength. People from other countries and religions can be your closest friends.”
His family has noticed the change too. “My father says I’ve grown up - that I’m more focused and responsible now,” he smiles.
Looking ahead, Odai’s ambitions have become more focused. Before joining Amala, he dreamed of studying computer science, but wasn’t sure where that could lead. “I didn’t really have a clear vision of what I wanted to do with it,” he says. “But now, I’ve realised how much I enjoy social impact work - using technology to help people and make a difference.”
He hopes to study a major in AI with political science at university, with a focus on social innovation and environmental sustainability, themes he first explored through his Amala projects.
“Amala opened my eyes to how technology can be used for change. I learned how to plan, how to set goals, and how to make them real. It gave me the foundation for everything — confidence, teamwork, and real-life experience. It changed how I see my future and what I want to do in the world.”
Who: Amala Education
What: Expanding hope for refugee youth in Jordan through transformative secondary education
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