A Safer Shelter, A Stronger Future: Moath’s Story of Resilience
A Safer Shelter, A Stronger Future: Moath’s Story of Resilience
Moath and his four children sitting in their old caravan right before receiving the new one
When Moath Nabnab first set foot in the Za’atari Refugee Camp, he was just 14 years old. That was in 2012, when thousands of Syrians were fleeing the war in search of safety. “I was only a child then,” Moath recalled. “We had to leave everything. Our home, our school, our memories. It broke my heart to leave the small house where I grew up. But we had no choice.”
The journey to Jordan was long and filled with hardship. “We walked for days, hungry and exhausted. We slept under the sky, not knowing if we would make it to safety,” he said. When his family finally reached the camp, they were met with yet another challenge. “It was winter, and the weather was catastrophic,” Moath explained. “The tents collapsed from the wind and rain, and water poured in from everywhere. We couldn’t sleep at night. I’ll never forget how cold and hopeless we felt.”
Two years later, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, began receiving caravan donations and distributing caravans that are simple and prefabricated shelters, which changed everything for families like Moath’s. “The first night in the caravan was unforgettable,” he said with a faint smile.
“For the first time, I felt safe. No water leaking, no walls falling.”
In 2016, he fell in love and got married, and he received his own caravan with his wife to build their home.
Today, Moath is 27 years old, a husband, and a father of four children. Life is hard for them, and some of his family members struggle with health issues. His wife, Ayat, 26 years old, suffers from Helicobacter pylori. His daughter Kefa'a is 9 years old, while his daughter, Hala, 8 years old, suffers from Down syndrome and heart and digestive problems and relies on an oxygen cylinder at home; his son, Mohammad, 4 years old, suffers from digestive issues, and the youngest child is Asa'd, 2 years old. To support his family, Moath currently works in seasonal farming outside the camp.
Their caravan, once a haven, has now become a danger. “Over time, our caravan began to crumble.” Moath explained. “In winter, water leaks inside and destroys the floor and ceiling. In summer, it becomes unbearably hot, like an oven.”
Dust and insects come in through the cracks. "One night, my daughter Hala woke up screaming. Some big insects were biting her. We rushed her to the hospital. It was one of the scariest nights of my life.”
The caravans usually have a life span of a maximum of eight years. Many are close to falling apart, and their condition is often worsened by the harsh climate in the Jordanian desert. While refugees can ask for maintenance or an upgrade of the caravans, limited resources mean the waiting is usually long and not everyone will be assisted.
Moath’s family too had to wait for help, but they were lucky. Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Moath’s family received news that they would be given a new caravan. “When the UNHCR technical team told me we were getting a new caravan, I felt overjoyed,” Moath said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I couldn’t stop smiling.”
With a vital contribution of USD 6.6 million from KOICA, UNHCR’s shelter programme is being strengthened to improve housing conditions for over 9,000 refugee women, men, and children in Azraq and Za’atari camps between 2024 and 2026.
KOICA’s funding makes it possible to replace ageing caravans and rehabilitate shelters that have long exceeded their lifespan. For families like Moath’s, this means far more than a structure. This means safety during winter storms, relief from the summer heat, and protection from dust and insects. It means a chance for children to grow up in better environments.
“My children will finally have a clean, safe place to play and study. We will have a roof that doesn’t leak, and a floor that isn’t broken. We will be safe from the dust, the cold, and the insects. Now, I can breathe with relief.” Moath said.
“Without this caravan, my children’s health would get worse, especially my daughter Hala” he said. “Now, they can grow up in a healthier environment. This is not just a shelter. For us, it is safety, and hope for the future.” As he reflected on his journey, Moath wanted to share a message with the people who made it possible. “To people of Korea who gave us this chance, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You didn’t just give us a caravan. You gave us hope, protection, and a new beginning. It’s an indescribable feeling.”
The KOICA, UNHCR partnership is a powerful reminder of KOICA’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and giving refugee families not just a roof, but a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Moath’s story is only one among thousands. With most caravans in Za’atari beyond their lifespan, more families face the same fears. But with support from donors, more children can sleep safely, just like Moath’s.
