Learning, Belonging, Dreaming Again
Abdulkadir’s return to school brings connection, confidence, and possibility.
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When the Alkarmo family left Aleppo, Syria, in 2013 and arrived in Gaziantep, Türkiye, they brought more than a few suitcases—they carried the hope of a safer life. Mouna (48) and Zekeriya (52), parents of six, faced many challenges as they tried to rebuild their lives. The family’s greatest priority was ensuring that their children could continue their education.
Abdulkadir was only four years old when he arrived in Türkiye. He began his education there, growing up between two worlds while learning a new language and adapting to a new environment. For the family, education was always a priority, seen as the strongest path toward stability and a better future.
At 16, however, Abdulkadir dropped out of school and remained out for nearly a year. The family was facing serious financial hardship, making it difficult to cover school-related expenses such as transportation and learning materials. At the same time, Abdulkadir experienced bullying at school, which affected his well-being and confidence, ultimately pushing him out of education.
During a home visit by a UNICEF-supported outreach team under the Pathway to Education (P2E) Programme funded by the European Union, the family shared Abdulkadir’s situation. Recognising the risk of permanent school dropout, the team stepped in. They guided the Alkarmo family through the school transfer process, met with school administrators, and supported Abdulkadir’s re-enrollment in a vocational high school.
Today, Abdulkadir is in 9th grade, studying in the Renewable Energy Technologies department of a vocational high school. Returning to school was not easy. The first weeks required patience, encouragement, and determination from both Abdulkadir and his family as he adjusted to a new environment and rebuilt his confidence. Over time, positive changes became visible.
“I made friends with everyone in my new class. I love them all—I can’t pick one over another,” he says with a smile. Adjusting to a new school and catching up on lessons was challenging at first, but the support from his teachers and encouragement from his family helped him regain confidence.
His father, Zekeriya, watches him with both emotion and pride. He shares that he observed clear differences in his children once they returned to school. “A child who goes to school is completely different. They read, they speak differently, their interests change… Everything changes. Zekeriya emphasises that children who continue their education become more understanding, stay away from risky environments, and are surrounded by more positive peer groups—changes that are reflected in their behavior and outlook on life. “My only wish is for my children to study and build a future for themselves,” he adds.
“I want my children to have what I never had—a chance to learn, to play, and to dream. When they go to school, I see hope in their eyes, and that gives me strength.”
Abdulkadir continues to face challenges, but he now knows he is not alone. Every morning, as Abdulkadir puts his school bag, he is stepping not just into a new day—but toward the future he is determined to shape.
Through UNICEF’s Pathway to Education programme, in partnership with SGDD-ASAM and generously funded by the European Union through its Humanitarian Aid Operations, teams play a key role in supporting children like Abdulkadir. Out-of-school refugee children are identified and referred to the Pathway to Education Programme through schools, local authorities, public institutions, community networks, and internal referrals. Teams face challenges such as frequently changing addresses, disconnected phone numbers, and scattered settlements, but they maintain contact through regular calls, home visits, and close coordination with schools.
Thanks to the persistent and holistic approach of UNICEF in supporting refugee children’s enrolment since 2020, more than 150,000 children have been given the chance to get back on their learning journey. Many children, like Abdulkadir, can continue growing in confidence and pursuing their dreams.
