Teaching hope: how education is changing lives in Azraq camp

Ismael and his student Ahmed outside NRC’s education centre. Photo: Shaden Abdulrahman/NRC
Ismael Al-Abdallah, 49, fled the war-torn city of Raqqa, Syria, in 2012. He sought safety in Jordan for his family of 13: six daughters and five sons. Despite the hardships of refugee life, he remains steadfast in his determination to provide a better future for his children. And he has found a new vocation as a teacher in the camp where he lives.
By Shaden Abdulrahman Published 12. Dec 2024
Jordan

Before war broke out in Syria in 2011, Ismael worked in agriculture, specialising in crop cultivation. “Before the war, I was successful in my work. When the war erupted, work started to deteriorate, and I shifted my focus from agriculture to livestock,” he recalls.

Back then, his two eldest daughters, Dalal and Noor, were 13 and 14 years old. They faced societal pressure to marry young, but Ismael refused to succumb, despite the challenging circumstances. Instead, he chose to seek refuge in Jordan, where he and his family now live in Azraq refugee camp.

A test of resilience

Ismael’s family has overcome many obstacles. In addition to the trauma of war and displacement, the children faced bullying due to a genetic condition that affects their appearance. “[The people in the camp] called my kids names. My son was even beaten just because he looked different,” Ismael recalls.

Before war broke out in Syria in 2011, Ismael worked in agriculture, specialising in crop cultivation. “Before the war, I was successful in my work. When the war erupted, work started to deteriorate, and I shifted my focus from agriculture to livestock,” he recalls.

Back then, his two eldest daughters, Dalal and Noor, were 13 and 14 years old. They faced societal pressure to marry young, but Ismael refused to succumb, despite the challenging circumstances. Instead, he chose to seek refuge in Jordan, where he and his family now live in Azraq refugee camp.

A test of resilience

Ismael’s family has overcome many obstacles. In addition to the trauma of war and displacement, the children faced bullying due to a genetic condition that affects their appearance. “[The people in the camp] called my kids names. My son was even beaten just because he looked different,” Ismael recalls.

I’m very proud of Dalal and Noor, but I’m always thinking about the next kid about to finish Tawjihi.
Ismael Al-Abdallah

Despite the challenges they faced, Ismael’s children excelled academically. His eldest daughter topped her class in the Tawjihi (high school diploma) exam and pursued a law degree, aspiring to become a lawyer and advocate for justice. His other daughter studied architectural engineering.

Both daughters received scholarships due to their academic achievement. However, financial constraints limit their future ambitions. In addition, under Jordanian regulations, non-Jordanians are not allowed to practice professions such as law, architecture or engineering. They may only work in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Ismael Al-Abdallah. Photo: Shaden Abdulrahman/NRC

“I’m very proud of Dalal and Noor, but I’m always thinking about the next kid about to finish Tawjihi. It’s stressful to be dependent on the scholarships’ strict conditions because of our bad financial situation,” says Ismael.

Scholarships for Syrian refugees wishing to pursue undergraduate studies are scarce. They are awarded based on academic performance and financial need, but if a family member has already received a scholarship, it reduces the chances of others in the same family being selected. Despite the tough competition, however, the hope of securing a scholarship remains a strong motivator for Ismael’s family and many others in the camp.

Ismael takes great pride in his children’s pursuit of education, seeing it as a testament to their resilience. For him, it’s a way to overcome societal pressures and a source of hope for the future. Ismael dreams that, one day, regulations will change or they will be able to emigrate to a third country, where his children can fully pursue their educational and career ambitions.

Inspiring young minds

Ismael himself is now a passionate educator, teaching science and maths to young students in the camp. He works for the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC’s) Learning Support Services, which support selected students in grades 5 and 6 who need additional academic help.

One of his students is Ahmed, a 5th-grade student with a disability.

Teaching makes me very happy.
Ismael Al-Abdallah

“Ahmed has difficulty with pronunciation due to being short of breath, which leaves him tired after saying a few words,” his mother explains. He also struggles with dyslexia.

Ahmed has enrolled in NRC’s Learning Support Services to improve his skills in Arabic, English and maths. With determination, and the dedication of teachers like Ismael, he has shown significant improvement.

Ahmed. Photo: Shaden Abdulrahman/NRC

“My favourite subject is Arabic. I enjoy grammar lessons,” says Ahmed. “I want to study medicine to become a dentist when I grow up.”

Ismael also enjoys the classroom environment and strives to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for his students. “Teaching makes me very happy. I enjoy being surrounded by kids more than adults – kids don’t judge,” he says.

Through sacrifice and determination, Ismael has not only encouraged his children’s academic success but has also found a purpose in teaching the next generation. His volunteer work with NRC’s Learning Support Services, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid in Azraq Refugee Camp, illustrates the power of education to heal and empower.

As he continues to inspire young minds like Ahmed, Ismael’s dream remains the same: a future where his children can fulfil their ambitions and where education can offer a path to a better life, no matter the challenges.

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