From Adversity to Achievement: Mohamad’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Education
21 June 2024|JRS Lebanon - Robert Gemayel
Mohamad’s journey from being a very shy boy living in the “Adus” refugee camp to a distinguished student in the year 2023 is a testament to his unwavering determination and the support he received from JRS Lebanon team.
For a child like Mohamad, who had already experienced displacement and hardship, the school had become his refuge, his place for learning and joy. The lockdown forced him to adapt to distance learning, a significant challenge given his living conditions in a tent without proper access to electricity and internet. Despite these obstacles, he did his best to attend online classes, although it was often limited to registering attendance and following a few lessons when electricity was available.
As the pandemic subsided, the 2021-2022 academic year presented new challenges as Mohamad returned to school after a prolonged period of remote learning. The isolation had made him even quieter and more withdrawn. However, the JRS team noticed his transformation and took action. They offered unwavering support and encouragement, slowly breaking down the walls of shyness that had built up around him. Unfortunately, despite his progress, he faced academic setbacks and failed his class for the third time.
Mohamad’s spirit remained unbroken. In the scholastic year 2022-2023, he returned to school with renewed enthusiasm. The JRS team continued to stand by him, providing the support he needed to succeed. Through sheer determination and relentless effort, both on his part and with the help of his dedicated teachers and social worker, Mohamad began to shine academically.
Today, Mohamad is not just another student in the camp; he is one of the distinguished students academically. He has successfully faced the challenges posed by his living conditions and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He can now read and write excellently, and the details of his exam scores unveiled the consistency and dedication that fuelled his success.
His average on the first exam was an impressive 12.97, followed by a slightly higher 13.07 on the midterm, and a commendable 12.40 on the final exam. Mohamad’s commitment to his studies shone through every aspect of his academic performance.
Behind his success was a network of support that played a pivotal role in shaping his educational journey. The tutors, recognizing his potential, provided extra worksheets and a variety of methods to
aid his cognitive, emotional, and social development. Their unwavering support became the foundation upon which Mohamad built his academic prowess.
In Mohamad’s corner also was the school social worker, a guiding force in his life. Recognizing his intelligence and potential for self-development, she played a crucial role in helping him realize his goals. Beyond academics, she assisted Mohamad in understanding and accepting himself and others, fostering the development of appropriate social interaction skills.
The social worker spoke highly of him, acknowledging his intelligence and resilience despite the challenging environment he lived in. She saw him not just as a student, but as a young individual with ambitious goals, determined to break free from the constraints of his surroundings.
Mohamad’s story became an inspiration within the camp, a testament to the power of education and the impact of dedicated support. As he continued to excel against all odds, Mohamad stood as a symbol of hope for every student facing adversity, proving that with determination and support, one could overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.