From Amman to art school: how Amala’s educational approach opened creative paths for Qais

Qais joined Amala in 2021, part of the second cohort of the Amala Global Secondary Diploma in Amman, Jordan. At the time of applying, he wanted to find a path that could turn his dreams into reality, and to complete his studies. 

Qais recalls feeling happy when he graduated from the GSD in 2022, instilled with the confidence that he would find his pathway. He had always been interested in photography and video, and after graduating, decided to apply to art school in France. Qais is now a student at Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin, an art college in Strasbourg.

“I found Amala was the only way that I could make my dreams come true.””

Like most people from a refugee background, Qais is highly adaptable, and education is no exception. Having first studied in a traditional school setting, Amala’s competency-based approach to education was a refreshing change in direction. When he moved into further education, he had to take charge of his own artistic development completely. The tutors told Qais and his classmates that they are artists too - just like the students - not teachers. And that art school is about finding one’s own artistic voice and style - like the agency-based approach at Amala. 

To finance his studies, Qais successfully applied for a Horizon Scholarship, and to support himself, he works part time at the student restaurant. 

At this stage in his art school career, Qais is constantly in the studio, creating, with the view to start exhibiting his work in galleries once he graduates. Qais is already thinking ahead to life after graduation: he hopes to exhibit in galleries, and is exploring future possibilities in film, television or media production.

Amala has left its mark on Qais. He still keeps in touch with many of his Amala classmates, describing Amala as “like a big family which encouraged me to complete my education”.