From adversity to achievement: Batool’s journey through education and the DAFI scholarship 

Education is crucial for displaced children, offering stability and a chance for a better future. Currently, only 7 per cent of refugees access higher education, but UNHCR aims to increase this to 15 per cent by 2030. 

Progress is being made with support from partners like Hikma Pharmaceuticals. Hikma is funding 80 scholarships through UNHCR’s DAFI Programme, providing more opportunities for refugees. This support helps students like Batool, who received a scholarship and is now studying Medical Laboratory Science in Jordan. 

— 

My name is Batool. I’m originally from Daar’a governorate in Syria. We fled to Jordan in 2013 when I was nine years old. 

I remember small things about Syria, such as our home and my grandparents’ house and the neighbourhoods we were living at. I remember few details from the conflict there, because I was very young when we left. 

Our displacement journey was very tough. When we arrived in Jordan, everything was very unfamiliar. We were very tired and there was no water – we had to buy water. We stayed in tents for four or five days, but we couldn’t cope living in a tent, so we started looking for a better shelter. We then moved to the caravan that we live in now. 

Overcoming educational barriers amidst adversity 

I faced many difficulties to continue my education. The most challenging thing was the interruption of internet and electricity. For example, in the 12th grade, there were some classes that I had to attend online, but there was no internet for me to be able to attend and there were also interruptions in power, especially during winter days. At night, we only had power for one hour or one and a half hours maximum, and it was very difficult for me to try to study on my phone instead. 

We are a big family, so there was little space to study. We also couldn’t afford operating two heaters in two rooms, so I would go to the other room and study without a heater.  

Batool, 19, (left) and Sahar, 18, study together in a shelter in Zaatari camp in Jordan. Both refugees from Syria, Batool and Sahar were recently selected to receive DAFI scholarships. © UNHCR/Claire Thomas

Also, our financial situation was very challenging. In 12th grade, I was not able to seek support from a private tutor due to lack of resources. We had to choose between either having internet access or a private tutor, which was another major obstacle.  

The internet was very weak and some places inside the camp have zero coverage. Some of my friends had no internet access at all. Despite it, I am happy I passed the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination, which is the last stage of school education in Jordan) and scored a good average.  

Despite achieving a high average, the question was whether I’d be selected for the scholarship or if I’d be left with no future. There weren’t any available scholarships so my parents suggested to re-do the year for a couple of subjects to further enhance my average, so that I could be a strong candidate for any scholarship. I was thankful that I enhanced my grades on my second try and was selected for the DAFI scholarship.  

The transformative power of the DAFI scholarship 

I was happy with my good results when I got them. I was literally jumping. Although we face many challenges inside the camp, I thank God that I can come back to my family and my home every day. It motivates me. My mother and father motivate me a lot. When I doubted myself, they kept telling me that I would do well. 

After getting my results, I kept wondering if I would get a scholarship or not. During the period in which I was applying for the DAFI scholarship, we were very stressed out.  

When the DAFI team started contacting students, I kept waiting for my turn until one day, the phone finally rang. My father answered the phone and handed it over to me, they told me that they wanted to interview me. It was the happiest moment of my life, more than when I received my high exam results.  

After the interview, the most amazing day was when UNHCR came here, and I was told that I got the scholarship. 

‘My dream was to study medicine. I am thankful to God that now I am studying Medical Labs – which is very close to my dream major – and I am very happy.’ 

Nineteen-year-old Batool studies Medical Labs at Zarqa University in Jordan. Originally from Syria, Batool was recently selected to receive a DAFI scholarship to study at Zarqa University. © UNHCR/Claire Thomas

The scholarship helped me a lot. Firstly, it provided psychological reassurance, as I felt that my future was secure, that there was a plan for my future, and that I would be able to study at university. It also motivated my younger siblings, giving them hope that they might also receive a scholarship and continue their studies, as our financial situation is not sufficient to afford university education. For example, my sister is in the 12th (final) grade this year, and she was immediately motivated to study harder to secure a scholarship. 

From a financial perspective, the DAFI scholarship has helped me a lot. It has made a huge difference, as my family hasn’t had a source of income for a long time now. It means that we were able to pay back our debts and that I was able to cover necessities for studying, like purchasing a lab coat, covering printing costs and other things needed to study. The allowance also covers my transport, along with food while I am studying on campus. It covers all my study expenses.  

‘The news of my scholarship gave hope and motivation to everyone I know, including my friends and my siblings.’ 

It reassured them that there are opportunities, especially for the ones who work hard. The DAFI scholarship has helped me to inspire others. 

—  

If your company is interested in making a difference by supporting the DAFI Scholarship Programme, please visit this website.