Helping Sanaa Realize Her Dream of University

At just eight years of age, Sanaa (not her real name), her parents, and her sister were forced to flee their family home in Syria due to intense fighting. Over the years, they were displaced several more times when conflict broke out again.

Sanaa’s father, an agricultural engineer, took the only job he could find, working as a street vendor to support his family. Her mother, who had been denied the opportunity to attend university, feared that Sanaa would never realize her own dream of a university education.

But then, opportunity arose from despair. Since the conflict in Syria began, IOCC has worked with our local Orthodox partner, the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (DERD) of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, to address emergency needs, along with education and psychosocial support for displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees.

One day, Sanaa learned about an educational support program through IOCC — and was immediately interested. The program targets vulnerable students seeking their 9th and 12th grade national certificates, while also providing opportunities in transitional grades, including 11th.

When Sanaa enrolled in the 11th grade, her teachers quickly realized that she had exceptional learning skills and was driven to excel. They worked diligently with her for two years so that she could take the national entrance exam for university.

Sanaa took the exam. She not only succeeded but also earned the highest result in her home governorate — enabling her to choose any college she wanted.

To recognize Sanaa’s outstanding achievement, staff from IOCC/DERD met with her parents. Sanaa’s father, his face streaked with tears, said: “I am so grateful for the support you extended to my daughter. You made us feel that we have done something for our children, amid our loss. I wish the same for her sister as well.”

Sanaa plans to write and illustrate children’s books in English to convey stories to inspire kids in her country to persevere in the face of hardships and tragedies. She said, “My hopes for the future are high, and at times like these, I can confidently say that you have not merely helped a displaced girl to achieve her goal, you are motivating a generation of desperate children to hold on and fight hard for their futures. Many thanks….”