For 15-year-old Hussein, an opportunity to finally attend school

Above: Hussein* at his desk in the classroom. He is now learning to read and write through classes supporting children and adolescents who were disengaged with mainstream education. Photo: Natalie Abu-Eisheh/Save the Children Jordan

Hussein’s family fled the war in Syria when he was a young child, and came to Jordan in search of safety. Hussein*, now 15, has a physical disability that means he is unable to walk without crutches. Because of his family’s refugee status, he had never had the opportunity to attend school or undertake formal education.

When the family first arrived in Jordan, Hussein’s mother did not know about educational services available for refugees, so wasn’t able to enrol him or his siblings in school. Because of this, Hussein did not know how to read or write. He found it hard to make friends, and was struggling to get used to his new life.

But all that changed this year. After hearing about educational courses offered by Save the Children through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) activation in Jordan, Hussein’s mother decided to enrol him.

Through the AHP response in Jordan, supported by the Australian Government, Save the Children runs inclusive classes in maths and Arabic for children who are disengaged from formal education. Attendees are made up of both children who have fled Syria and are living in Jordan, as well as Jordanian children who have struggled to engage in mainstream education.

For Hussein, the opportunity has been transformative, not just because he is now learning to read and write, but also socially.

“I met a lot of friends and feel like I belong for the first time in my life,” Hussein said.

“The classes we take here focus on Arabic letter and words. Now, I know how to pronounce words on my own. Before I couldn’t pronounce anything without my mother’s help.”

Hussein’s mother has noticed the difference as well.

“Before joining the program, [Hussein] used to complain all the time because did not have any friends. Now, he has become more social and is very happy in this environment. He has even changed with his sister and brother at home,” she said.

Above: Hussein (left) with his friend and classmate. Attending classes has created new friendships and improved Hussein’s social life. Photo: Natalie Abu-Eisheh/Save the Children Jordan

“Now, [Hussein] knows how to control his energy and is calmer. He is even better academically, and is very careful about studying to make sure that he’s on track with the other kids,” his mother said.

“Before, I had to force him to practice reading, but now he loves it and asks for my help with any words he struggles with.”

Hussein’s self-confidence has improved in leaps and bounds, and he also has big dreams for his future.

“I would love to continue studying. My dream is to be an agricultural engineer and be famous one day,” Hussein said.

“Joining this program made me feel like I belong, and that I am not different than the other boys.”

*Name changed