Ahmad, Amala alumnus, leads mental health support course for current students

Ahmad Al Zghoul, Amala Global Secondary Diploma alumnus, has returned to the learning centre in Amman with a mission. Drawing from his own experiences, Ahmad now leads a transformative three-month mental health support course for current Amala students. In this reflection, Ahmad shares the inspiration behind his initiative and shows the impact that focusing on mental wellbeing is having on the Amala community.

As an Amala graduate from the third cohort, I’ve always valued the importance of mental health, especially for those who have gone through the challenges of displacement. This belief led me to start a mental health support class for current Amala students, many of whom are refugees.

The class is designed to offer support in a way that feels accessible and relatable. We start with group therapy sessions where students have the opportunity to talk about their experiences in a safe and understanding environment. These sessions are about creating connections—helping students see that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling and going through.

After the group sessions, each student undergoes a personal evaluation conducted by a professional psychologist. This one-on-one time ensures that students receive expert guidance tailored to their individual needs, helping them address specific challenges and develop coping strategies that work best for them.

What’s been most rewarding is seeing how this support helps the students. They’ve been able to open up more, build stronger connections with their peers, and find new ways to cope with the challenges they face. The group setting has been particularly helpful in fostering a sense of community, where students support each other and share practical advice.

Running this course has shown me just how much a supportive environment can positively impact students’ well-being. It’s been encouraging to see them gain confidence, build resilience, and grow both individually and as part of a community.

Moving forward, my hope is that this program continues to support Amala students in meaningful ways. Mental health is an important part of their overall well-being, and I’m committed to making sure this support remains available to help them navigate their paths forward.