Amjad's transformative journey of self-discovery and inner peace | Peace Day 2024
Amjad, a Syrian refugee living in Domiz, northern Iraq, shares how the Peace Leader and Interreligious Cooperation for Peace programmes took him on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
My journey with JWL started when I heard about a center in Domiz offering professional English courses. I’ve always been passionate about learning English, so I didn’t miss the chance and enrolled immediately. Over a year, I studied hard and earned my C1 certificate. My English skills have improved dramatically, which helped me a lot when I got a scholarship to study computer science at Duhok University, where our classes were conducted in English.
A couple of years later, JWL launched the Peace Leader course. Living as a refugee in Iraqi Kurdistan, I felt this was the right opportunity for me, so I signed up. The course was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just about learning concepts; it was about self-discovery. As someone who used to be quite introverted, shy, and quiet, the course has taught me to be at peace with myself and made me aware of the everyday conflicts happening around me, conflicts that I’d never even noticed before. The discussions and materials have helped me grow in ways, I have never expected.
After earning my Peace Leader certificate, I have graduated from university and started working in local organisation. Over the years, I’ve worked in several roles at humanitarian organisation and each one has shaped my journey in different ways. Currently, I’m a Fundraising Officer, using the skills and confidence that I have gained at JWL not only on a professional level but also in terms of the strong bonds which I have formed with my colleagues.
But my connection with JWL didn’t end there. JWL has announced for new course “the Interreligious Cooperation for Peace course”, which sounded like an amazing opportunity to learn about different religions and perspectives. I enrolled and started learning, but due to some family issues, I couldn’t finish it. However, the parts I did complete were truly eye-opening, helping me understand how other communities think and live. I’m deeply grateful for JWL’s role in my journey—they’ve been there at every step, helping me grow, learn, and become who I am today.