International Youth Day: Three Youngsters Leading Change in Za’atari Camp and Helping Their Communities
International Youth Day: Three Youngsters Leading Change in Za’atari Camp and Helping Their Communities
In the heart of Za’atari refugee camp, where daily life comes with challenges, young people are quietly shaping a brighter future. This year’s International Youth Day celebrates the power of youth to drive change and in Za’atari, three young Syrians are proving that with energy, creativity, and determination, even small acts can inspire hope, support their community, and unlock the potential of the next generation.
The Teacher Who Gives Back
“That training changed me completely. I became more confident, more social. I knew then I wanted to give this same gift to others.” Shahd, 23 years old.
Shahd was raised in Za’atari Camp. She remembers walking long distances every day just to attend school, determined to make the most of her education despite the many challenges of camp life. After completing secondary education, she pursued a diploma in graphic design and graduated from university in 2024 — an opportunity few in the camp can have due to high cost of higher education.
When Shahd was 16, she was shy and introverted but determined to change. She attended her first life skills training, which was transformative. “I was shy and depressed, but through the training, I learned how to express myself, build confidence, and face challenges head-on.”
Motivated by this change, Shahd joined the TIGER (These inspired girls and boys enjoy reading) programme, a programme run by UNHCR through Save the Children organization where young volunteers teach essential skills to others. She chose to teach life skills and English to children aged 9 to 14 because she saw these as tools that could open doors beyond the camp. Her English classes are lively and interactive, focusing on practical language skills rather than textbooks. Many children struggle with English in formal school settings, so Shahd’s sessions use activities and games to make learning easier. “English is a global language, essential for education and future jobs. I want to make it easier for them.”
The life skills training has an even deeper impact. This training include learning to work in groups, build teamwork, understand the meaning of community, communicate effectively, present with confidence, and develop resilience to overcome challenges. She has seen the impact of these lessons firsthand: a student who was once so quiet she barely spoke in class. After the course, that girl blossomed into a confident speaker who could share her feelings and connect with others. “It’s incredible how these lessons change not just knowledge but how young people see themselves and their futures,” Shahd says.
For Shahd, teaching is more than sharing knowledge; it is building a foundation for a stronger generation. “We are the base. When we help each other, we empower dreams, help overcome obstacles and create a better future.”
The Digital Skills Leader
“People here are disconnected from the world. If they leave without digital skills, they will struggle.”
In Za’atari Camp, access to computers and the internet in refugees’ shelters is limited. Yet for Hamzeh, technology is a bridge to a world beyond the camp’s borders.
Hamzeh’s interest began when he was offered to take an International Computer Driving License (ICDL) computer course inside the camp. Starting with little knowledge, he quickly developed a passion for that area. “I realized the future is in technology,” he says. When the training stopped after a few levels, Hamzeh didn’t give up. He turned to online resources, teaching himself advanced skills, from web development to artificial intelligence and smartphone software.
He sees technology as an essential skill. “Without these skills, young people here will struggle if they leave the camp or try to find jobs. But many don’t have the chance to learn because of the limited equipment and resources.”
Hamzeh took it upon himself to teach others including friends, neighbors, and younger students how to use computers, emails, Excel, and online learning tools, sharing his skills to fill a huge gap in digital knowledge within his community. For Hamzeh, technology is more than a skill. It’s a key to future opportunities. “I want to keep growing in this field because it’s my way forward. Whether I return to Syria or move somewhere new, these skills will help me build a future.”
The Health Volunteer
“I chose to work in health because it’s human. You feel it. You see the impact with your own eyes. I couldn’t sit behind a desk while people needed help.”
Every month, Lama walks the dusty lanes of Za’atari Camp to check on the health of her community. As an incentive-based volunteer, she visits elderly people, pregnant women, and families with chronic illnesses, making sure they are taking medicines and accessing medical care.
She reminds parents about vaccines for their children, spreading awareness about importance of vaccination, especially when some families hesitate. She also identifies refugees who need assistive devices and medical supplies like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or diapers, and connects them to the right services.
“It’s humanitarian work,” Lama says. “It touches the heart because I see the difference I make. I couldn’t sit behind a desk knowing people need help.”
At first, many families were reserved and formal with Lama. But as they saw her care and persistence, trust grew. “Now they open their homes and hearts. Their prayers and thanks give me strength to keep going.”
At first, many families were reserved and formal with Lama. But as they saw her care and persistence, trust grew. “Now they open their homes and hearts. Their prayers and thanks give me strength to keep going.”
Lama’s motivation is simple but powerful. “Health is the foundation. When people are well, they can face life challenges. I hope more people understand this and join the effort to help others.”
She dreams of the future where sickness fades and communities are stronger. “Change starts with one person, and I want to be that person.”
Shahd, Hamzeh, and Lama are just three of many young Syrians in Za’atari Camp who are leading change in quiet but powerful ways. They show that youth are not only the future they are the present.
On World Youth Day, we celebrate how these young refugees contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals: Shahd empowers children through education and life skills, Hamzeh promotes innovation by teaching digital literacy, and Lama advances health by supporting vulnerable community members. Together, they demonstrate how refugees actively drive progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.