Ahmad
Ahmad, 27, is from Sheikh Maskin in Daraa Governorate, south-west Syria. He fled his homeland in 2013 when he was just 16 years old.
Daraa Governorate faced violent conflict during the first years of the Syrian war, with many civilians losing their lives. Housing, the economy and infrastructure was severely damaged.
Ahmad sought refuge in neighbouring Jordan and has been residing in Zaatari refugee camp ever since he arrived in the country.
Zaatari is the world’s largest refugee camp for Syrians. It has grown into a sort of city, with rows of thousands of caravans. It’s located in a flat desert landscape. It was originally built as a temporary camp for those seeking safety. But more than 10 years on, around 80,000 people are still living there.
Ahmad is frustrated by the lack of higher education opportunities available to young people.
“There are several problems and challenges [for refugees in Zaatari], especially in terms of education. Most of us study and study, and we all have dreams to pursue after finishing our studies, we aspire to attend university and then find employment or work towards achieving our goals and dreams.
“But as refugee, no. Out of 500 people, only one person is chosen for a scholarship, and that’s if they have a perfect score of 100%.”
Ahmad is also concerned about an increase in child marriage due to the lack of opportunities available for young people. “The father can say that there is no future for girls in terms of education, so better if she is married to alleviate the burden on the family’s household.”
“Another problem is the poor condition of the shelters, the caravans, where we live. They are like iron boxes, and during summer, if the temperature in the camp is 35C, the temperature inside the caravan can reach up to 70C. Because it’s an iron box that absorbs all the heat.
“There’s also issues with access to healthcare. We suffer a lot on that front. Most hospitals lack orthopaedic doctors. For dentists, you have to put your name on a waiting list a month before. There are no dermatologists or neurologists inside the camp. And [our] mobility is restricted. Refugees can only leave the camp with special permits.
“However, and to be honest, there are also positive aspects that we should mention…
“Humanitarian organisations provide training and development opportunities to empower and support refugees and address their psychological burdens. As young people, we try to improve our situation by working on ourselves, motivating other young people through innovative initiatives and entrepreneurship.
“We have many successful young [Syrian] people who have achieved top marks in the Kingdom [of Jordan]. They prove that the label ‘refugee’ does not define them.
“Oh, and there is another issue that I didn’t talk about: electricity. We only receive electricity for about five hours a day. From extreme heat in the summer, to limitations on using essential appliances like washing machines, we can’t use it to keep our food cold or even for fans to cool off or anything else.”
In your opinion, what needs to be done, or what would you like to see happen on World Refugee Day?
“Personally, I would like the attention of supporting individuals to be directed towards refugee camps so they can see the problems and help mitigate them.
“Most of the youth in the camps feel like a burden on society, without any purpose. Sometimes they even reach the point of contemplating suicide due to psychological pressure. There have been several cases of suicide within the camp.
“Young people feel a significant void in their lives that they are unable to fill. They lack a future, job opportunities and access to education. They are deprived of most things.
“As a young man myself, I would like to be supported to be able to create a secure future for me, or have a job that can occupy my free time.”
Do you have any personal feelings about World Refugee Day?
“Honestly, I have such feelings, not only on World Refugee Day, but on any international day, like the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, World Refugee Day, or International Youth Day. I always strive to be an active person in such matters and encourage celebrations and events on these days.
“As one of the young people in the Syrian Youth Committee in the camp, I would like to emphasise that the word refugee should not have a negative effect on the people in the camps. On the contrary, it should empower them.”
Is there a message you would like to address to the world on this day?
“As a refugee, I want to say, see us. I would like to say that we really need you to support us and don’t forget that a refugee is a human being just like you.
“One day, you might find yourself in a similar situation and become a refugee. I cannot fully describe the feeling of being a refugee, honestly. It’s like a person is burning slowly and has no one to rely on except himself, and the support he can receive from organisations or supportive individuals who want to help.
“I’m not saying this to receive help. I’m saying it because there are difficulties, challenges and problems.
“Let’s say, life should not stop. Especially when generations are growing up in this misery, with no future at all. I feel like everything in their lives is deteriorating.
“So, my message to those who have the power to make decisions or can make a difference is to truly look after the refugee populations and see how you can help.
“Don’t hold back support. The refugee you help today could be your support or the doctor who can save your life tomorrow.”
Ahmad is a courageous advocate for refugees. Will you be one too?
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