Inspiring Amala Alumni Stories: Mohamad Najem

“The skills that I have learnt at Amala have become embedded into my character and personality. So much so that I feel like I don’t always notice when I’m using them anymore. Amala has helped me grow and I’m so thankful for the experience.” - Mohamad Najem

We’re delighted to be sharing the next inspiring alumni story this week as part of our Amala Alumni Series. The next alumni to be interviewed is 25-year-old Mohamad Najem Aldroubi from Syria. After completing our Peacebuilding in your Community course in Amman, Jordan in 2019, Mohamad gained a scholarship  to study engineering and is currently enjoying his university experience at the University of Jordan! The scholarship is from the Catalyst Foundation, who have also been a key funder of Amala’s work to date.

Congratulations on being awarded your scholarship, can you tell us more about it? 

I found out about the Catalyst Scholarship from Emily (Senior Programme Officer of the Catalyst Foundation) who visited us in the Amala’s learning centre and told us all about the different opportunities available. After graduating from the Peacebuilding course, I prepared my application. I formally applied to the Catalyst scholarship in April 2020 and I was accepted in July 2020. I am pleased to say that I started at the university in October 2020 and so far in the first year I’ve been studying telecommunications engineering, which has been very exciting and I am enjoying the course so far. I have been busy with my course as I am now in the second semester and I will shortly be doing some exams. 

How do you feel Amala has helped you with what you have done since the course? 

The course has helped me in so many ways, I would say that I have gained a lot of skills. For example, I am now comfortable being around a wide range of people from all backgrounds after meeting people of all nationalities on the course. This is a key skill to develop for me as in the future I hope to be a diplomat. I also believe the course helped me get my scholarship and gave me a solid foundation for continuing my learning journey. 

Are there ways that Amala changed you? E.g. In your mindset, thinking, actions towards others? 

Yes, Amala has helped open my mind a lot. I now understand why it's so important not to judge people on appearance and to not buy into stereotypes. I found that my classmates on the course were all very nice and good people from all backgrounds, even if I might have judged them to start with. I now have the viewpoint that everyone is good until proven otherwise.

What are your aspirations for the future?

There are so many things that I want to do, but the main thing is to graduate from university. I would also like to gain even more skills, such as learning some design skills and then hopefully get a training role within a company even if it is unpaid, just so I can get some practical experience. Once I have completed the training, I would like to then get hired professionally by a company. The biggest goal for the distant future is to then become an executive manager. It will be a journey, but I will get there.

Would you recommend the Amala Peacebuilding in the community course? 

Definitely, I would recommend the course to everyone because you don't always know when an opportunity will arrive, so anything you can do or learn, you should go for it. On the course, you meet so many people from all different backgrounds/cultures which is such a rich experience as you will learn new things, and this will help as you go forward in life. 

What would your advice be for other young refugees?  

I would say you have to take advantage of any courses offered because you have to meet new people and gain new skills to move forward in life. As a refugee, you may want to travel to the west at some point, so if you can prepare and learn more now, it will help you in the long run. It’s all about getting yourself ready for the next chapter.