Voices of the Youth:
Mohammad, 16, from Quneitra, Syria, now living in Azraq refugee camp, Jordan
Our escape from Syria was harrowing. We walked 60 kilometers before climbing in the back of a livestock truck and travelling eight hours to the Jordanian border.
I lost my sister for four hours during this trip. It was the most difficult experience I’ve faced.
I lost my father in the war. He was only 35. I watched him die. We lost him and his brothers — my uncles, Abdo and Hassan — they were together in the house. I am the only son and now the one who must care for the family.
My mother is my heart. She empowers me, she encouraged me to participate in the activities at CARE and in the camp. She encouraged me to join the camp magazine. Now I hope to be a journalist.
The first and most important reason for wanting to be a journalist is to speak out against the suffering we have witnessed in the war. Second, I want to pursue journalism in memory of my late uncle Abdo — he held a PhD in Arabic language, he encouraged me in every way. Third, I think it’s necessary we talk about the ideas and problems related to youth.
It’s difficult for youth these days. There’s more problems for them, more bullying since the war began. There’s been a change in their environment, and they no longer seek, or want to hear the advice of their parents, or any elder. The war drastically changed the situation of children. They no longer respect authority.
I’m preparing for my tawjihi (grade 12 diploma exams) now. But not all youth or children see the value in education.
A child without education is like a bird without wings, though. To overcome the war, children need help in changing their behavior.
We have many challenges in the camp but a major one is a lack of income. Still, we have to do what we can to improve our lives. The price of success is costly, but the most important thing in determining whether we win or lose in this life is that we have applied ourselves to the task. My cousin, who was also my teacher taught me this: the history of humanity is proof that a few good people can make a difference in the world. As a journalist, I want to make that difference. I want to help refugees, I want to see them return home soon.
