Introducing Amala High School Diploma Student: Hussam

Hussam is originally from Iraq. In 2018, before he was able to continue his civil engineering studies in Mosul, he left Iraq for Jordan. In Jordan, he found the “peace, safety and respect” he yearned for in Iraq, but a lack of scholarships left Hussam unable to resume his education. 

Hussam resolved to spend his time improving his English skills through English classes at a local organisation, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Through these classes, he was also able to meet many new people; he appreciated the opportunity to “get in touch with other cultures”. The JRS was also where he first heard about the Amala High School Diploma. 

Hussam recognised that studying in English and accessing support from the Amala High School Diploma’s target pathways advising team would improve his prospects of one day resuming his studies in civil engineering. He was also intrigued by the variety of subjects the High School Diploma covered - including those he hadn’t encountered in Iraq. 

Throughout the programme so far, students have focused on modules including Ethical Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, Peacebuilding and Living Peace. While Hussam is most looking forward to the Maths for Change and Designing STEM Solutions modules, he has found learning about Ethical Leadership particularly stimulating. After all, Hussam believes that education is “more than just studying” and hopes to share his knowledge “to benefit others”. Hussam understands developing strong leadership skills are crucial in effectively educating others around him. 

Hussam has also enjoyed listening to and learning from other students. Through these experiences, he has come to realise that in order to make decisions with the best interest of a group in mind, successful leaders must be able to encourage others to share their thoughts. Sometimes it is not enough for leaders to “give others a chance to share their opinions” and must actively encourage others to contribute. Hussam has been using Amala’a collaborative norms to do this,  by developing a habit of “asking questions” to prompt others, “paraphrasing” to make clarifications and solidify understanding, and “giving each other time” to think. 

While developing these skills will prove valuable in all walks of life, Hussam already has many other qualities that sets him up to be a strong lifelong learner. From a young age, it was clear that his sharp observation skills and his curiosity enabled him to quickly learn new things outside the classroom. Growing up, one of his favourite pastimes was watching his father, a mechanic, and other engineers at work. As a result of witnessing the mechanics and engineers at work - including the obstacles they faced - Hussam learned he needed to embrace challenges and “take responsibility” in order to grow as a problem solver and leader.

Hussam also understands that the best way to solidify his learning is to apply his learning to real life problems. In Iraq, Hussam volunteered with the local church’s engineering team; he helped design reconstruction plans and select appropriate materials for various buildings, ranging from government institutions to private houses. 

Currently, making the most of the High School Diploma is at the forefront of Hussam’s mind. Besides “learning new things and building important skills”, Hussam also views the High School Diploma as a unique opportunity to build lifelong friendships. He sees his fellow learners’ “team spirit and creativity” as a key part of his Amala experience and hopes they will continue to support each other after the programme. He is also confident that they will go on to “do great [things]”. 

The Amman facilitation team and the rest of the Amala team are also incredibly eager to see Hussam’s development and achievements over the coming months!