Connecting with a classroom across the world

Over the last month, we held a poster competition for primary school students in the UK and US, inviting them to explore the similarities and differences between their classroom and a classroom built by a Syrian farmer by the name of Ahmad.

We’re so grateful for everyone who took the time to connect with Ahmad’s story and participate in the competition. Like so many Syrians, Ahmad and his family were forced to flee Syria in 2012 after a devastating bomb destroyed their home. They travelled from Syria to Jordan where they started a new life in an informal settlement with other refugee families.

When Ahmad saw none of the children around him could read or write, he decided to build a schoolhouse and be their teacher. He teaches more than 40 Syrian children, ranging from 5 to 13. They gather from 8 a.m. until noon, six days a week, in what is a vibrant learning space covered in posters teaching them English, Arabic, science and math.

A boy attends class in a tent in an informal settlement outside mafraq, jordan

In jordan, a syrian refugee holds a model he made of his dream house while sitting in a classroom covered in posters and recycled materials the children gathered. — Once a cattle farmer, Ahmad is now known to the kids as “Professor.” He says “I try to put hope for the children here. Children in this generation are our future. Because of that, I started this school.”

Meet our winners

We received lots of wonderful artwork and chose one from the UK and one from the US that we felt best brought together their own school classroom and Ahmad’s classroom. We love how they show the similarities and differences between the classrooms, and congratulate Sophie and Nitika on their great work!

A drawing by an 11 year old from the united kingdom. — Sophie M., 11, United Kingdom, “It was very interesting reading about Ahmad and all the work he does for the children from Syria in Jordan.”

A drawing by a 9 year old from the united state of america. — Nitika P., age 9, United States: “I think the biggest difference in my classroom and Ahmad's classroom is that they don't wear shoes and sit on the ground, using a stool as a table. I was watching the docking of the dragon to the ISS (International Space Station) on the day of submission so I added a little "art project" to the walls of my classroom."

More of our favorites

“What does education mean to you?”

We’re happy to also share some of the artwork shared with us by Syrian students in refugee camps in Jordan. Teachers asked their students to draw what education means to them and received powerful answers.

Hajar, 16, Jordan, Winning poster; “I feel strong when I talk about education! Because education is what empowers me.”

Batool, 15, Jordan, "Education is a ladder to success."

Bailsan, 11, Jordan, "School is my future, my safety, my culture and my art."

Mohammad, 13, Jordan, "Education is a lifeline"

Salma, 12, Jordan, "Education will help me become a doctor."

Amneh, 11, Jordan, “I wish the school will re- open, I have missed my school, I have missed the playground, and I missed Mercy Corps' facilities” (Talking about being in lockdown due to COVID-19)

Aysar, 8, Jordan, “Shall I draw my school you mean? My school is too big, it won’t fit in the paper!”

Ayman, 11, Jordan, "Thanks to those who teach me."

How you can help

Mercy Corps works to provide inclusive and quality education to young people around the world who are living in challenging environments. We invite you to learn more about our work with youth and join us on our mission.