Syria | Action Group
In an inspiring story of perseverance and resilience, Palestinian-Syrian refugee Muna Balil, known as “Um Ali”, from Jaramana refugee camp in the Damascus countryside, succeeded in passing the 2024 high-school certificate exam after being away from school for nearly four decades.
Speaking to the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria, the 57-year-old said she stopped studying in 1986 due to personal circumstances and had tried many times to return to education, but life’s hardships stood in her way.
She added that she had not intended to apply this year, but two days before the registration deadline, she accompanied her niece to submit paperwork. At the center, her niece encouraged her to apply as well. They were the last to submit their applications.
Um Ali explained that she initially did not take the decision seriously and even handed the registration receipt to her niece, saying she would not sit for the exam without enough preparation. However, she was deeply moved by the strong encouragement she received from her family and their insistence that she take the exam.
She said that all her family members gathered with her the night before the exam, boosting her morale and convincing her that she had enough stored knowledge to build on and succeed. At that moment, she decided to go through with the experience, relying on God.
She recalled that when she arrived at the exam center on the first day, she hesitated to enter and considered returning home. She was surprised to find her husband, Abu Ali, waiting for her outside the school, insisting that she go in and take the exam. He was the one who woke up early, prepared the coffee, drove her to the center, and encouraged her all the way to the exam hall.
Regarding the exam experience, Um Ali told the Action Group that she fully adhered to the rules and refused to cheat. She noted that she had expected a much lower result, but passed with flying colors.
When asked about her university ambitions, Um Ali said she applied to three majors: Law ”” although her age does not allow registration in the Bar Association, hoping for an exceptional case ”” then Political Science, and finally Special Education, which is closest to her heart, as she previously volunteered with people of determination and learned a great deal from them.
She concluded by saying:
“I have always been among the top students in my studies, and I do not believe in the saying ”˜I cannot’. I believe that whoever wants to, can.