Meet Hadeel Nimer, a 21 year–old student from Syria who now lives in Jordan. She used to feel trapped by her physical disability. Despite her physical limitations, she always tried to imagine a self-sufficient future for herself. Hadeel heard about the UNESCO-led scholarship program, funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, at Al Quds College. She enthusiastically applied and was accepted.

Hadeel enjoyed the BTEC Level 3 Business Administration program and felt the positive impact on her personality, learning key skills surrounding improved communication. “I learned how to control my emotions and how to be a productive member of my community,” Hadeel says.

She is also considering continuing her education in hopes of passing the Tawjihi, the secondary level examination in Jordan, and obtaining a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in the future.

Hadeel’s teacher, Ali Abu Hamour, describes her as one of his favourite students in the business ethics class. “I am so pleased to have such an ambitious, incredibly passionate dreamer eager to reach her goals, despite her disability, “he says. She has a positive spirit that leaves a tangible impact on those around her and her colleagues love her.”

Supporting youth to access education 

UNESCO believes that education is a human right and works to enhance access to and retention of students across Jordan. Young people are often neglected in times of crisis and UNESCO is working to provide opportunities for this critical group to continue their education in post-basic education streams, including at community colleges like Al Quds.

The Korean funded scholarship Hadeel enjoyed was designed for both Syrian and Jordanian youth with the goal of providing opportunities for educational development, building competitive skills that support their entrance into the labour market. The opportunity is not one that Hadeel will soon forget. “This opportunity helped me to continue my studies which will support me in securing a job,” she says.

Learn more about UNESCO’s activities in Jordan: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/amman/home/