It is one of those days when Khalil thought that no matter of how tempted he is to join in, there is something more important for him to do — persevere and learn as much as he can to prepare to return to Syria.
The story of Khalil, 26, encapsulates the resilience of the Syrian people; no matter what happens, they are determined to lead productive lives even in displacement. Even as the world tells them they are becoming a "lost generation".
'When I return, I want to pursue higher education. This [being a refugee] is a good chance for me to dedicate some time for my studies, which I did not do before', Khalil says.
Khalil — who back in Damascus was a day labourer in the services sector — left Syria and arrived in the Zaatari Refugee Camp around a year ago with his ill mother and sister. He later became one of 800 students who have benefited from the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) youth program in the camp. A similar program has recently opened in the smaller Emirati Jordanian Camp and will also be replicated once the new Azraq camp opens at the end of April this year.
'I was passing by and I saw the centre. I asked about the activities and they invited me in. A couple of months and an ECDL course later, I now know how to fully operate a computer, and I'm also teaching my friends', he tells.
NRC's youth program was designed to provide the youth skills that is a fundament for further career but also allow them to contribute to their refugee communities.
'When you have more than 2.5 million Syrian refugees across the region, there must be a sustained and concerted effort to make sure these youth and children do not become a 'lost generation', says NRC Jordan Country Director, Robert Beer, in a statement.
'We are providing the refugees with barber skills, welding and tailoring. Technical workshops are being set up in Zaatari camp to allow students to apply their trade and contribute positively to their local community', says Beer.
NRC also offers informal education in two learning centers in the camps to school-age children.
An average of 700 girls and boys attend these programs in both Zaatari and the Emirati Jordanian Camp each day, and more than 1,000 students have participated in the programs since they started in 2013.
Beer believes that the high number of students at NRC's education centers is a reflection of their aspiration and hope for the future.
'Like children all over the world, NRC's students want a future where they can feel safe, be able to play and be able to return home', says Beer.
'And they are asking the world not to forget them', he says.
As the crisis shows no sign of abating and its scale continues to deepen, relief agencies are left overstretched, struggling to cope.
"This year, it is likely that the funding needs will continue to increase even if no new refugees arrive in neighbouring countries, because refugees will have exhausted their savings," Beer said, after the UN launched its biggest appeal ever in December last year, calling for $6.5bn for Syria and the region, which was only 70 per cent funded when it closed.
Never minding the details, Khalil is soldiering on with his education. He wants to help rebuild his country when he is back.
"What do I have to do with politics? I want to study more and get a good job. I want to go back and see my father."
