My

Story

Kamal

“I was raised in Syria, in a city called Raqqa. Since I was born I had a disability, so I couldn’t be educated because society did not accept people with disabilities. I used to sit under the classroom window of the school to listen to the lessons. I would take my brother’s and sister’s books to study and take notes, I even used to solve their homework.

Later on, after several years, I created an NGO that organised social activities for kids and different activities that help the environment. I also worked at the hospital. One day, at the hospital, I refused to nurse and help a criminal leader. This did not go down well, and gang members threatened to kill me for this and for also being a social activist. My life was in real danger. I was captured on numerous occasions trying to escape these criminal groups. While I was captured, I was abused physically and verbally. However, I was fortunate as my brother helped me escape to Lebanon.

I now volunteer for a foundation close to where I live. The area is not safe, especially not for children. The children that I train are from Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Sudan. I am from the same background as many of them, so I understand their needs. I can teach them how to deal with living in an unsafe area. I want to pass on the experience that I have gained growing up and during this programme to help these children.

In the refugee camp, there is a boy who has a disability in his legs. I have tried very hard to include him in my activities. I adapted the games and allowed him to use his hands instead of his feet. This training has shown me how I can adapt games to include everyone. I volunteer to help people that truly need help. It is my passion to be a coach and help children.”