In the heart of refugee camps and underserved communities, hope often flickers in the smallest acts of courage. These stories highlight individuals who, despite displacement and adversity, have turned their circumstances into stepping stones toward a brighter future. From empowering others through education to building platforms for change, these voices remind us that resilience knows no boundaries.
Ala’s journey to become a voice for refugees
A Syrian refugee living in a refugee camp, Ala’, didn’t let the circumstances in the camp to stop her from reaching her dream, determined to make the camp her launchpad not her limit. She led sessions that help girls build confidence, understand the importance of their education, and learn to set goals for themselves. Seeing them grow in strength and self-belief fuels her own determination.
Ala’ seized every opportunity to work as a journalist, sharing stories from inside and outside the camp. She dreams of pursuing a postgraduate degree and to produce documentaries that show the world the reality of their lives.
“I don’t just want to report on humanitarian issues; I want to be a leading voice from within the refugee community, working for a major media organisation,” shares Ala’.
“I don’t just want to report on humanitarian issues; I want to be a leading voice from within the refugee community, working for a major media organisation.”
Ala’
Douaa develops skills to support her family
Carrying dreams for a life beyond fences, Douaa is a mother of 3 children and a Syrian refugee living in a refugee camp.
Douaa is seeking to change her life by keeping herself busy and improving and developing her skills through training. Through training she has recevied a grant. She has used this to launch a hydroponic farming initiative, turning innovation into income and supporting her family’s future.
She says that everything she does is for her children. Her dream is to leave the camp and to gain an educational degree, she strives to see her children successful in their lives.
“I have many dreams, but my biggest dream is to one day leave the camp, get an education, and see my children become successful,” explains Doaa
“I have many dreams, but my biggest dream is to one day leave the camp, get an education, and see my children become successful.”
Doaa
Anoud builds a safe learning space for children
A 30-year-old entrepreneur, Anoud, couldn’t just stand by watching the local youth falling with their learning, just because they were from Jordan’s most underserved areas, where educational challenges are getting worse.
She founded the an educational centre, to provide after school tutoring and, more importantly, a safe learning space for her community children.
“My story is more than just about a school. It’s about the transformative power of education and the importance of community-led solutions,” explains Anoud.
Anoud speaks proudly about her centre sharing the incredible results she has achieved, raising the educational performance of the students and children studying at her centre.
“My story is more than just about a school. It’s about the transformative power of education and the importance of community-led solutions.”
Anoud
From refugee to innovator
Abdulmajeed, a Syrian refugee, used his background in tech and passion for learning to gain hands-on experience that sparked a bigger idea. Inspired by the lack of practical learning in traditional education, he created an online platform where students are taught technical skills like programming and digital content creation. His goal was to empower students to share knowledge with each other and go beyond the limits of the classroom.
“My dream is to take my platform to other countries across the Arab region,” says Abdulmajeed.
“My dream is to take my platform to other countries across the Arab region.”
Abdulmajeed
How Plan International helped
Through the Najahna Programme, young Syrians and Jordanians like Alaa, Douaa, and Anoud have transformed their aspirations into tangible achievements. By offering tailored training, mentorship, and business support, Najahna equips youth with the confidence and resources to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Alaa gained digital storytelling and content creation skills through the mobile journalism training, empowering her to advocate for her community.
Douaa received a business grant that enabled her to launch a hydroponic farming initiative, turning innovation into income and supporting her family’s future.
Anoud used her grant to expand her educational centre, enhance learning tools, and inspire other women through strengthened leadership.
Abdulmajeed received coding training, where he developed key technical skills in programming, teamwork, and project management. He refined his project idea, and transformed his vision into a real platform for youth-led innovation and collaboration.
Related pages
