Transforming our community, one act of kindness at a time

Dear Diary,

I think it’s about time I tell you my story with the Peace Centre at Azraq camp, Jordan.

When my parents came to Jordan in 2016 after crisis in Syria became unbearable, I was just six-year-old. But I still had memories of my city and I always hoped to feel at home here. Although we found safety here, as I grew up, I felt like something was missing. A spark, a purpose, a place to grow. Then, I found the Peace Centre. Or maybe, it found me.

At first, I was just curious. My neighbour spoke about it, how it was a place of learning, friendship, and change. How in the centre, teenagers like me would get remedial and protection sessions and even gain important skills like computer skills. My friends were there too, and they seemed different; more confident, more knowledgeable and just happier and I wanted that. I craved to learn, to grow, and to find a place where I belonged.

I started attending as a visitor with my friends, twice a week, just to get a taste of what the centre offered but it was enough. Enough to see how special this place was. It’s the safe space where young people like me could understand our rights, defend our community and gain the courage to dream beyond the camp’s fences. So, when my friend told me that the centre was open for registration, I wasted no time.

I committed myself to the Peace Centre, attending five times a week and involving myself in various sessions. And it’s safe to say it changed me. You might ask how, well, I used to be careless, skipping school without a second thought, wasting days hanging out without purpose. But the Peace Centre taught me discipline, commitment, and the value of awareness and personal growth. My family noticed first, then my teachers then later my community. I finally started enjoying school and attending regularly, caring about my future and education, and wanting to give back.

But this place did more than just teach me skills and provide me with sessions. It showed me the power of community work. The centre allowed us to create our own community initiatives and become true change makers. And so, we began to think about the needs around us, about the people who were often overlooked and the elderly were the ones to come to mind. Many of them are alone, unable to work, struggling with daily tasks. We saw their pain, and we chose to help.

Our group underwent comprehensive technical training by World Vision in order to support the elderly with issues they face around their caravan including fixing leaky pipes, filling holes around the house with silicone. We also supported with moving furniture, washing dishes and cleaning their caravans. It seemed so simple, yet the impact was profound. To them it meant the world and every smile, every thank you filled us with a sense of purpose and motivation to do more. I realised that even though our capabilities are limited, with the right support and awareness, we could still make a considerable difference.

What’s also always encouraging is hearing the supportive words coming from my parents; they keep telling me how much I improved and grew as a person on so many levels, they feel proud of me which makes me feel proud of myself.

To us, this place is more than just a centre. It’s a haven where I feel valued, loved, and accepted. It’s where I grew closer to my friends, where our bonds became unbreakable as we worked side by side, creating change.

There is still so much to do. Our camp faces many challenges, but the Peace Centre taught me to believe in change, even with limited resources. I dream of this project growing, of reaching more people, of continuing to be a force for good.

I once felt lost, but now I have a purpose. I have hope. And hope, I’ve learned, is the most powerful weapon of all.

Best, Talal*

*Name is changed to protect identity