“Given the crisis that broke out in my beloved country Syria during the first months of the year 2011, I was forced to leave my home and seek refuge in Lebanon where I struggled to ensure my subsistence needs. I have always sought not to need anyone and to live in dignity and pride despite all the difficulties, the suffering, the lack of employment opportunities and the issue of residence in Lebanon, which made things worse. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic and Social History and International Relations in 2012-2013 from the Lebanese University. My family and I missed having the most simple life necessities, and I could not do anything during my first year of studies. However, dramatic changes happened when I applied for the HOPES scholarship, and was selected on November 15, 2016. The HOPES project assumed my monthly expenses and my university registrations fees, as well as it contributed to the follow-up of my dissertation, which gave me a push to continue and walk towards the future. Despite the sufferings and difficulties, I cannot forget what the HOPES project and team offered me, Thanks to them, I was able to obtain a Master’s Degree in 2018. I would like to thank them and express my appreciation and respect towards them, from the bottom of my heart.”
By Mostafa Hajji Ahmad
2019
