Published : 23-12-2025
Action Group – Aleppo
In the al-Nairab refugee camp in northern Syria, willpower is not measured by physical health, but by the dreams one holds.
Farah, a 21-year-old Palestinian refugee, is one of those who triumphed over both illness and despair, starting over.
After a harrowing battle with cancer that culminated in the amputation of her leg, Farah refused to let her disability be the end of the road. Today, armed with hope, she returns to school, participating in a vocational education and training program implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and funded by the European Union. She is studying business administration and reshaping her future.
“Losing my leg was a devastating experience,” Farah says, recalling one of the most difficult periods of her life. “But I refused to give up on my dreams. This program has given me a real opportunity to continue my studies and build a new future.”
Despite her challenging health and psychological circumstances, Farah has excelled academically, ranking third in her class with an 87 percent average in UNRWA’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, which is supported by the European Union.
Farah was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare form of sarcoma that did not respond to chemotherapy, forcing her to undergo seven surgeries and 45 sessions of radiotherapy. When the disease returned in 2023, she made the most difficult decision of her life: amputation of the affected limb. Just two months later, she sat for and passed her high school graduation exams, a testament to the magnitude of the challenge she faced.
Through this program, UNRWA has provided specialized vocational training to more than 1,200 young Palestinian refugees in Syria, delivered by qualified trainers, offering psychological and educational support, and providing essential training materials.
The program includes perse courses in vocational and technical fields such as welding, plumbing and heating, electrical installations, solar energy systems, auto mechanics, as well as sewing, chef’s assistance, graphic design, and more. At the Al-Nairab Training Center, Farah received special support after her surgery, with trainers working directly with her to ensure she could continue her studies during her recovery.
In this context, Amanya Michael-Ebye, UNRWA Director of Operations in Syria, said: “The European Union’s support and long-standing partnership enable UNRWA to provide safe and inclusive training environments, helping young people acquire real skills that open doors to the job market, as is the case with Farah.”
For its part, the European Union in Syria expressed its pride in supporting students like Farah, considering her story a living example of perseverance and resilience, and emphasizing its commitment to continuing to invest in youth education and empowering them to build a better future.
Today, after graduating in September 2025, Farah dreams of establishing her own company and supporting others facing similar challenges. She summarizes her philosophy in one sentence:
“I chose business administration because I want to be independent and contribute to creating opportunities for others. Education gave me a new beginning.”
Action Group – Aleppo
In the al-Nairab refugee camp in northern Syria, willpower is not measured by physical health, but by the dreams one holds.
Farah, a 21-year-old Palestinian refugee, is one of those who triumphed over both illness and despair, starting over.
After a harrowing battle with cancer that culminated in the amputation of her leg, Farah refused to let her disability be the end of the road. Today, armed with hope, she returns to school, participating in a vocational education and training program implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and funded by the European Union. She is studying business administration and reshaping her future.
“Losing my leg was a devastating experience,” Farah says, recalling one of the most difficult periods of her life. “But I refused to give up on my dreams. This program has given me a real opportunity to continue my studies and build a new future.”
Despite her challenging health and psychological circumstances, Farah has excelled academically, ranking third in her class with an 87 percent average in UNRWA’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, which is supported by the European Union.
Farah was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare form of sarcoma that did not respond to chemotherapy, forcing her to undergo seven surgeries and 45 sessions of radiotherapy. When the disease returned in 2023, she made the most difficult decision of her life: amputation of the affected limb. Just two months later, she sat for and passed her high school graduation exams, a testament to the magnitude of the challenge she faced.
Through this program, UNRWA has provided specialized vocational training to more than 1,200 young Palestinian refugees in Syria, delivered by qualified trainers, offering psychological and educational support, and providing essential training materials.
The program includes perse courses in vocational and technical fields such as welding, plumbing and heating, electrical installations, solar energy systems, auto mechanics, as well as sewing, chef’s assistance, graphic design, and more. At the Al-Nairab Training Center, Farah received special support after her surgery, with trainers working directly with her to ensure she could continue her studies during her recovery.
In this context, Amanya Michael-Ebye, UNRWA Director of Operations in Syria, said: “The European Union’s support and long-standing partnership enable UNRWA to provide safe and inclusive training environments, helping young people acquire real skills that open doors to the job market, as is the case with Farah.”
For its part, the European Union in Syria expressed its pride in supporting students like Farah, considering her story a living example of perseverance and resilience, and emphasizing its commitment to continuing to invest in youth education and empowering them to build a better future.
Today, after graduating in September 2025, Farah dreams of establishing her own company and supporting others facing similar challenges. She summarizes her philosophy in one sentence:
“I chose business administration because I want to be independent and contribute to creating opportunities for others. Education gave me a new beginning.”
