Syrian Refugee’s Squash Scholarship Signals Hope for Girls in Jordan
A remarkable achievement by a young Syrian refugee, coupled with the work of a dedicated sporting programme, is offering a beacon of hope for girls navigating the challenges of displacement and limited opportunity in Jordan. The story underscores the critical role of education and community support in empowering vulnerable populations.
Jordan currently hosts the world’s second-highest per-capita refugee population,and a staggering 60 percent of Syrian refugee children between the ages of 12 and 15 in Jordan drop out of school – a statistic Squash Dreamers is actively working to reverse.
In a gritty neighborhood south of the Syrian border, where colorful murals depict stories of struggle against a backdrop of aging apartment buildings, Squash Dreamers provides a sanctuary for young girls. The program uniquely combines intensive squash training – preparing athletes for national and international competitions – with robust academic and language support.
“Through Squash Dreamers I found my fighting spirit,” Fatima al-Aboud told SBS News. Al-Aboud, who fled Syria with her family at the age of four, has been a part of the program for six years. Her dedication has culminated in a historic achievement: she is the first Syrian girl to receive a scholarship to Westminster School in the United States.
The scholarship represents a lifeline for Al-Aboud,who explained that without it,she would have been forced to return to Syria and forfeit her education. “I am so happy, nervous, excited, everything,” she shared, recounting the emotional reactions of her teachers and mother upon receiving the news. She even described a joyful phone call with her father, who remains in Syria.
now, Al-Aboud is pursuing her dream of becoming a psychologist, a path she sees as a way to empower other girls facing similar challenges. “I want to tell the younger girls that ‘I was like you. You can do everything you want in the world. you can be whatever you want to be. Just be confident in yourself,'” she stated. She recognizes the systemic barriers faced by women in some countries, where access to education and opportunities is limited, and is steadfast to advocate for change.
The success of Squash Dreamers extends beyond individual achievements. Executive Director Daisy Van Leeuwen-Hill emphasized the program’s commitment to listening to the community’s needs. “What is so marvelous about this place is that the girls we have are staying in school untill they’re 18.They’re not getting married. They’re not dropping out. These girls are happy,” she saeid.
The program’s holistic approach includes academics, fitness, wellbeing support, mental health services, and even providing meals to students who arrive hungry.”we started slowly adding academics,fitness,wellbeing support,mental health and we even started providing meals at every single session as some kids were fainting from hunger,” Van Leeuwen-Hill explained. She described witnessing the transformative growth of the girls, watching them “bloom like beautiful flowers” as they gain confidence and realize their potential.
The sense of community is central to Squash Dreamers’ impact. Syrian refugee Shadia Ammar, who works at the program cooking for the 90 girls currently enrolled, embodies this spirit. “I feel like I’m their mum and they definitely feel like I’m their mum. I always feel like they are my daughters,” she said.Ammar’s perspective reflects the resilience of the Syrian people. “the Syrian people are strong. We were still here despite the war and the troubles. We have skills and we have not become weaker; we have become stronger,” she asserted.
Looking ahead,a growing number of Syrian refugees are considering returning to Syria,with over 50,000 having already voluntarily repatriated since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. For individuals like Ammar, Squash Dreamers represents more than just a program; its an investment in the future of Syria. “When we return to Syria, everyone here will take something from this country, will take the customs and traditions and the sweet things from this country and surely Syria will be much, much better,” she believes. The lessons learned and the strength gained within the walls of Squash Dreamers are poised to contribute to the rebuilding of a nation.
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