Twenty-five men and women, who for the past year have lived in tents and caravans inside a ‘city’ of regulated chaos, had the opportunity to spend several days in Jordan’s port city of Aqaba. When the Questscope staff began organizing the training session for Syrian case managers living and working in Zaatari camp, they never could have anticipated such a powerful response.
The bus arrived in Zaatari at 8:00 am, but the case managers had already been waiting with anticipation for two hours. Eyes brimmed with tears as they arrived in Aqaba, almost unable to believe this could be possible. Simple amenities felt like a five-star resort accommodations, with running water instead of a bucket for a shower. The nights were passed with little sleep, not wanting to waste a minute of time.
But the opportunity to be together, building relationships and strengthening their team was the most significant part of the experience.
“This is not just a job we do,” shared one of the case managers. “We now feel that we are all part of one team.”
The impact of the training extended to the Questscope staff too.
“I never thought this type of training would be possible, but watching as each of these young Syrians evolve into unique personalities has had an enormous impact on me,” said Ashraf, project manager for Questscope’s programs in Zaatari. “When you see the hope in their eyes - it’s amazing.”
War and displacement didn’t just destroy their homes in Syria, but also disrupted the foundation on which they were building their lives. Now, in collaboration with Questscope, they have a foundation to build on once again and can move forward to help other young refugees in the camp find the same voice, strength and purpose.
“I believe this group of young Syrians can challenge the world around them for the better,” said Ashraf. “And now, I think they realize that too.”
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