Two Student’s stories
Odai’s story
Odai is a determined 17-year-old from Yemen, currently living as a refugee in Jordan with his father and younger sister. He describes himself as "ambitious, hardworking and creative," and enjoys reading, playing guitar, and taking walks in his free time.
Before joining Amala, Odai's education journey was fraught with challenges. As one of the only refugees at his school, he often felt isolated and unwelcome. "I faced a lot of challenges, especially at school since I was the only refugee in the area," he explained. The environment was harsh, and Odai experienced prejudice and mistreatment from teachers and peers. He kept this from his father to avoid adding to the family's burdens. He left school aged 16. These experiences left him disillusioned and frustrated.
When Odai first heard about Amala, he was cautious.
"At first, I was nervous. I thought it wasn’t going to be so much different than the public school. However, from the first day of orientation, he quickly saw a difference. The way the facilitators treated us, the care, and the way they listened to us - that was something completely new to me," he said.
After initially participating in one of Amala's shorter Changemaker programmes, Odai was able to enroll in the Global Secondary Diploma (GSD) programme. This opportunity came through the GSD's competency-based approach to admissions, which focuses on abilities rather than previous educational qualifications or paperwork, which often create barriers for refugee students like Odai.
Talking of his experience on the Changemaker programme, Odai says, "Amala is the biggest milestone in my journey so far. It helped me grow personally, academically and socially."
Now for Odai, the GSD programme's flexibility and practical approach align with his learning style and future aspirations, offering him a pathway to complete his secondary education that he didn't previously see. The programme's internationally accredited curriculum ensures that despite his disrupted educational background, Odai can build academic credentials that open doors to university admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Odai began studying for Amala’s Global Secondary Diploma in mid-April and he’s already planning for what’s next. He hopes to graduate and secure a scholarship to continue his education at university, in artificial intelligence and business administration. "I started at Amala, but I want to keep moving forward after Amala," he said. He has already begun working towards his goals by learning programming and setting long-term aspirations for himself.
Through Amala's Global Secondary Diploma, Odai has not only regained access to education but has found a community that nurtures his potential, giving him the tools and confidence to shape a brighter future through university study and beyond.
Ghadeer’s story
Ghadeer is a 25-year-old from Syria, now living in Jordan with her mother, two sisters, and her young daughter. She carries many responsibilities, balancing motherhood, family duties, and a small skincare business she built through determination and hard work.
Her educational journey was interrupted during her final year of secondary education. "It's bad. I feel sad because I could not continue. “There were huge pressures and challenges for me at that time,” she shared. Returning to formal education later proved to be challenging due to changing regulations and growing family responsibilities. "Now, with my daughter, my family, and my business, it's very hard to go back," she explained.
Ghadeer's refugee experience began when she arrived in Jordan at age 14. School adaptation was difficult, and she felt excluded.
"It's not about being Syrian or Jordanian," she said, "it's about the people. I didn't feel included."
It was a friend who introduced Ghadeer to Amala. "She told me about her experience with Amala and said it was what I needed to achieve my dreams," Ghadeer explained. Though nervous about her English skills, she applied and was accepted.
For Ghadeer, Amala's Global Secondary Diploma programme offers something traditional education couldn't: flexibility that accommodates her multiple responsibilities. The programme's 12 hours of in-person sessions and 8 hours of independent study weekly allow her to balance education with family care and business operations.
Amala's inclusive age range (16-25) also means Ghadeer isn't excluded for being "too old" for secondary education, a barrier she previously encountered. "When I read about Amala, I loved it," she explained. "It's like finishing school. It can help me go to college, study business, and follow my passion.
Ghadeer started her learning journey with the Global Secondary Diploma in mid April 2025 and after just two days at Amala, Ghadeer was already experiencing a sense of belonging:
"I really love this place. I love the people. I felt included already within the first hour. Everyone wants to work together."
Her ambitions are clear: she hopes to develop her business skills, create a better future for herself and her daughter, and inspire others. "Trust yourself," she advises. "Everyone has challenges, but don't stop because of them. Stand up, choose your dream, help yourself, and believe in hope."
Through Amala, Ghadeer is reclaiming her right to education and building a future filled with promise and possibility.
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