Sham: Growing up in safety, helping others

Helping others has always come naturally to Sham. It is what motivates her studies, her volunteering and her hopes for the future.

"I feel I grew up helping people," says the 19-year-old. "I love seeing people smile."

Currently preparing for the Pancyprian examinations, Sham hopes one day to work in the health sector. Her desire to care for others is rooted not only in her personality, but also in the example set by someone she deeply admires: her mother.

"My mom is an idol to me," she says without hesitation. "I look up to her so much. She is a very empowering woman, so strong, and she always stands up for what she believes is right. I am grateful to her for where we are today."

Sham was born in Cyprus to Syrian parents who arrived seeking safety and the opportunity to build a better future. Her mother came to Cyprus 24 years ago, when she was only 18. Today, Sham is one of four siblings, all born and raised on the island.

For Sham, Cyprus is not simply the country where she was born. It is where she has built her life, friendships and aspirations. It is her home.

"All my studies are here, my friends are here, my environment is here," she says.

The prospect of one day having to leave worries her. "Sometimes I fear that we might be sent back," she admits. Although she remains connected to her Syrian heritage, she struggles to imagine building her future there.

"I cannot see myself living in Syria," she says. "Syria is not as safe as many people think it is. There is still instability and violence. People are still seeking safety for themselves and their children." Returning would be particularly difficult: "The traditions are different, life is different, and it would be very challenging."

Growing up in Paphos, Sham attended local schools, is fluent in Greek, Arabic and English, and built friendships with classmates from different backgrounds.

"I was like every other kid going to school," she says.

While Sham generally felt welcomed, her experience was not always without challenges. As she grew older, conversations about refugees became more common, particularly in secondary school, and some left her feeling excluded.

One experience stayed with her. During her second year of high school, a teacher organized a classroom debate on refugees and migration. Students were divided into two groups — Cypriots and refugees — and asked to debate the presence of refugees in Cyprus.

For Sham, the exercise was deeply uncomfortable. "I remember sitting there thinking, 'Why is this a debate?'" she says. "It felt as if we were being discussed as a problem rather than as people." Much of the discussion focused on Syrians and the challenges they were perceived to create. "It made me feel left out. I was not just talking about refugees. I was one of the refugees being talked about."

Another difficult moment came when she decided to wear a headscarf. While many friends respected her decision, others reacted differently. "Some people told me I looked prettier before," she says. "Others said they didn't want me in their group anymore."

The comments hurt. Yet what Sham remembers most is not the rejection, but the support she received from those who stood by her. "I still had friends who stayed by my side and defended me," she says. "I am grateful for them and for the parents who raised them to see people for who they are."

Inspired by her mother's example, Sham too began volunteering with the Learning Refuge, a place that has been part of her life since childhood. As a young girl, she spent time there with the volunteers, learned English through their support — acquiring an impeccable British accent along the way — and absorbed values that continue to guide her today. "They taught me how to love other people equally," she says.

Now, as a volunteer herself, Sham hopes to offer others the same sense of welcome and safety she experienced growing up. Through the Learning Refuge, she meets women facing difficult circumstances, including survivors of domestic violence and women struggling to rebuild their lives. Many of their stories leave a deep impression on her.

"When I hear what some of these women have gone through, I feel devastated," she says. "Sometimes I wish I could do more than listen, encourage them and remind them that things can get better."

The women she meets often remind her of her own mother's resilience. And though she wishes she could do more, Sham has learned that even small acts of support can make a difference — and that hope can come from the most unexpected moments.

"Seeing them smile, even for a moment, gives me hope and strength to keep going."

For Sham, this is why the right to seek safety matters so deeply. "Language barriers, financial difficulties and many other challenges can be overcome," she says. "But first people need safety."

Looking ahead, Sham hopes to build a future shaped by the values that have guided her throughout her life: compassion, perseverance and service to others. She hopes to pursue work that allows her to help people, give back to her community and build a happy life with her family. For her, success is not defined only by professional achievements, but also by being surrounded by the people she loves and knowing she has made a positive difference.

She also has a message for other young refugees. "Whatever you want to achieve, speak up, keep going and stand up for yourself," she says. "If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals."

As World Refugee Day marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, Sham's story highlights the enduring importance of the right to seek safety. At a time when displacement continues to rise worldwide and millions remain uprooted by conflict, violence and persecution, her experience demonstrates what can happen when people are given protection, opportunity and the chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity — and why preserving that right remains as important today as it was 75 years ago.

For Sham and her family, finding safety in Cyprus opened the door to opportunities that shaped their lives. Today, she is giving back to her community by supporting others and encouraging those facing challenges not to lose hope.

Her story reflects a simple but powerful truth: safety means dignity, protection and opportunity.

Until everyone is safe, the work is not done.

#UntilEveryoneIsSafe