A shot at the future: Sa’ad finds his passion behind the lens
UNICEF helps young people build skills through youth-friendly spaces and practical meaningful training
Khan Arnaba, Quneitra Governorate, Syria - “I’ve loved cameras since I was a child, they help me see the world in my own way,” said Sa’ad, 18, from Kanaker in Rural Damascus. “As I learned more that love grew stronger and became part of who I am.”
Sa’ad lives with his parents in his hometown. Despite years of hardship, he held onto his passion for photography. “My family and friends often ask me to take photos; they trust my eye for capturing moments and turning them into something timeless.”
While preparing for his Grade 12 industrial exam, Sa’ad commuted daily to Khan Arnaba in Quneitra. His days were long and demanding, leaving little room for anything else. But when a friend told him about a UNICEF-supported photography course at a youth-friendly space, Sa’ad didn’t hesitate.
“I had always wanted to take a photography course, but I couldn’t afford private institutes. My father’s income barely covers the essentials, and I still rely on my parents.”
The youth-friendly space became a turning point. With the support of the centre, Sa’ad was able to nurture his passion and gained practical skills that opened doors to new opportunities.
“I was under a lot of pressure, but the moment I stepped into the centre, my stress melted away. I dived into the technical world of photography.”
Over several weeks, Sa’ad learned camera functions and photography techniques. “Now, everything has a name in my head. Using the camera feels easier, and more fun,” he said. He especially enjoyed the practical sessions in the park, where he and his classmates applied what they learned and received feedback from their trainer. “I could feel my talent being refined.”
Shortly after completing the course, Sa’ad was offered a 15-day job at a photography studio in Khan Arnaba. He photographed events and portraits using professional equipment. “It was a great experience that added so much to my knowledge. Earning money doing what I love was incredible,” he said. He used his earnings to support his Grade 12 studies.
Now, Sa’ad hopes to continue part-time photography work to become financially independent.
“The youth centre helped me sharpen my skills and opened new horizons. It gave me the confidence to take initiative and be more productive."
Sa’ad dreams of studying electrical automation at university. “It’s a field with high demand and great potential for Syria’s future,” he said. But wherever life takes him, photography will remain close to his heart. “I’m not certain about my path, but I’ll always keep my camera close—capturing happy moments, silly ones, and everything important around me,” he said.
Across Syria, UNICEF continues to help young people build the foundations for a brighter future—through skills training, and safe and supportive spaces to grow.
Since 2024, UNICEF has reached more than 245,500 young people aged 10 to 24, in Syria with skills development and vocational training through 43 youth-friendly spaces across all Syrian governorates. These spaces continue to provide thousands of adolescents and young adults with vital opportunities to build skills, develop resilience, and re-engage with their communities after years of conflict and displacement.
In partnership with the UN Joint Programme to Strengthen Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria (UNJP); the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the governments of Australia, Austria, Canada, Japan, and Norway; and UNICEF National Committee for Japan, young people in Syria are gaining the skills they need to turn challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, dignity, and meaningful work.
