Student Stories - six months on
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.”
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.”
Ghadeer’s story
"Even if I had to walk, I would still come."
That's how Ghadeer describes her commitment to education. Five hours - that's how long it takes the 25-year-old mother to travel to Amala each week from her home in Jordan. But for someone who thought her chance at education had passed, the journey is worth it, every time.
Ghadeer is from Syria and now lives in Jordan with her mother, two sisters, and young daughter, balancing motherhood, family duties, and a small skincare business. Her education was interrupted during her final year of secondary school. "Before I joined Amala, I felt less than other people because I couldn't complete my education," she explains.
When a friend told her about Amala's Global Secondary Diploma programme in early 2025, Ghadeer was nervous about her English but applied anyway. Six months on, the transformation is clear. "At first, I was scared because of my English. But when I started the course, I kept supporting myself, and I realised I could do it. When I finished my project, I felt proud - it made me confident."
But it's not just about the skills for Ghadeer - it's about belonging. "We are refugees, but here I feel peaceful and comfortable. Everyone feels like brothers and sisters. It feels like home," she says.
Recently, while attending a training session at a local Plant Nursery, Ghadeer shared insights from her Amala economics project on compost production. The agricultural engineer - a university graduate - was stunned. "She told me she'd never learned that information," Ghadeer recalls. "That moment showed me how much I've really learned."
Her family has noticed too. Her cousin in Syria saw a video of Ghadeer presenting and couldn't believe how confident and professional she looked. "Before, I felt less than other people because I couldn't finish school. Now I know I can do more than them," she says.
Now strongly on track to graduate, Ghadeer's ambitions have shifted. She originally joined hoping to study business, but her focus has evolved to psychological counselling. She plans to pursue this at university and one day return to Syria to make an impact in her community.
Her message to other young people: "Life is hard, but you can do it. Believe in yourself, and never give up. When you find a chance - take it. It could change your life."
Through Amala, Ghadeer has reclaimed her right to education and discovered a clear sense of purpose - building a future full of hope for herself and her daughter.
Who: Amala Education
What: Expanding hope for refugee youth in Jordan through transformative secondary education
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