Malik once needed extra support to catch up on his studies through a Relief International remedial program, and now he’s getting ready to study energy engineering at the master’s level at Boité University in France. He earned a prestigious scholarship from the French Embassy in Jordan, a testament to his hard work and determination, and a powerful reminder of how supporting young people can help them unlock their full potential.
Malik was just 13 when his family was forced to leave rural Damascus and move to the refugee camp in Jordan. He continued to be committed to his studies but growing up in the camp was not easy; “I faced many challenges during my 10 years there. Whether at school, Relief International’s education center, or university, I had responsibilities inside the camp. We didn’t have access to water, so I had to go and fill containers every time we needed it,” Malik shares.
"Life was tough, but it taught me resilience and the importance of education.”
Malik first got to know about Relief International through neighbors when he arrived at the camp. “From the first week, they provided me with tutoring. They offered courses in mathematics, science, Arabic, and English, which were crucial in helping me continue my education despite the challenging circumstances,” Malik explains.
After finishing his undergraduate degree studying engineering at Zarqa University, Malik completed an additional training session in January. Shortly afterward, Relief International approached him about the scholarship in France, and he was thrilled when his application was accepted. “After studying French for the first year, I am excited to explore the options of nanotechnology, project management, and renewable energy for my master’s degree.”
“After completing my master’s degree, I aspire to pursue a PhD, particularly in the fields of energy and technology. My long-term goal is to return to the area where I grew up and contribute to its development, especially if stability returns to the region.” Malik adds.
I want to use my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in my community. The hardships and instability have profoundly affected many lives.”
The efforts of the Relief International team in Jordan have been instrumental in supporting students like Malik to achieve things once thought impossible. Our project, which aimed to enhance educational opportunities for children and livelihood opportunities for youth has supported over 2,000 Syrian refugees.
This achievement reflects the incredible resilience of community members like Malik, as well as the dedication of the team in Jordan and key partners, such as Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). Together, they demonstrate what is possible when we work collaboratively to help communities restore their lives.
From facing challenges of refugee life to earning a prestigious scholarship, Malik’s story inspires hope for others walking a similar path, showing that they too can fulfil their goals against all odds.
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