Amal Al Kurnazi, an 18-year-old from Idlib, Syria, is a testament to resilience and determination. Amidst life’s challenges, Amal remains focused on her dreams and aspirations, fueled by her unwavering spirit

Amal, a second-year student majoring in nutrition, comes from a family of seven—her parents and five siblings. However, their lives took an unexpected turn when the Turkiye-Syria earthquake struck, leaving her father unemployed. Despite his best efforts to secure any job available, the post-earthquake circumstances left him jobless. The family found themselves grappling with financial instability and uncertainty.

In the midst of adversity, Amal’s commitment to education shines through. Three of her siblings are pursuing college degrees, with one sister studying nutrition alongside Amal and another studying radiation therapy. Education remains a beacon of hope for the Al Kurnazi family, a pathway to a brighter future.

The family has been residing in Reyhanli, Turkiye, for ten years, a decision that was prompted by the harrowing events in their homeland. Amal vividly recalls the fear that overcame her younger sister during the shelling in Idlib. The relentless sound of bombs and the sight of smoke left her sister trembling uncontrollably, forcing the family to make the difficult decision to leave Syria for the sake of their loved ones.

Their journey led them from one village to another within Idlib, seeking refuge from the danger surrounding them. However, safety remained far, and they eventually crossed the border into Turkiye. Tragically, Amal’s nephew, who was in need of urgent medical attention, did not make it after crossing the border.

Despite the hardships, Amal remains determined in her pursuit of education. A 19-hour bus ride from her hometown to her school city every semester is a small price to pay for the knowledge she gains as a college student. Her dedication is not confined to the academic realm; during summers, she works as a kindergarten teacher and a private tutor to alleviate the financial strain on her family.

Amal found out about Karam House through her sister. Drawn by the prospect of building a community and forging connections, Amal found solace and support within the walls of this safe space.

Reflecting on her experience, Amal cherishes every moment spent at Karam House. From creating in the studios to forming lasting friendships, she expresses gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned and the sense of belonging fostered within this community.

For Amal, Karam House is more than a physical space; it is a sanctuary where mentorship extends beyond guidance to become a familial bond. The generosity displayed within its walls aligns seamlessly with its name, creating an environment that fosters growth and support.

One of Amal’s favorite studios and proudest moments was at Animotion. In this studio, students learned the nature of mechanical movements and how to create and develop them by showing appropriate examples that detail the movement, clarifying the places of contact between the parts of other mechanics, and linking them with the movement of different animals. Amal created a butterfly made of paper and hair clips in this studio. 

Amal’s appreciation for Karam House extends beyond gratitude; it transforms into a commitment to spread its mission. Her goal is to share the transformative impact of Karam House with everyone she encounters, emphasizing the trust, safety, and sense of home it provides.

As Amal navigates her future, one thing she will take with her from Karam House is how to communicate effectively. Armed with this skill, she looks forward to a future where she can contribute to spreading Karam’s mission, bringing hope and opportunities to others who, like her, are navigating the challenging journey from adversity to achievement.