The spirit of these QF school alumni is not dampened by the absence of a graduation ceremony

Graduates of Awsaj Academy are preparing to start a new phase of their academic life after acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to follow their educational path and to achieve their goals in life. And though the pandemic has stolen the big moments of a graduation ceremony, these students continue to be very proud of their achievements, even being far from the stage.

Saeb Kofa, a graduate of Awsaj Academy, says that since the beginning of the last academic year, he was eager to graduate, and he did not expect to not receive his degree on the graduation stage.

"I started to prepare a graduation project early in the year. I dreamed of the moment when I would wear a graduation dress, and throw the hat high, as my sister who graduated before me, did, but despite that, I am proud that I have completed this important stage of my life, which will prepare me for the future, and this is a sufficient reason to be proud,” Kofa said.

Kofa joined the Academy in third grade. He says it was his mother who was keen on the school as she believed that the school was ideal for students who have certain educational needs.

“Awsaj Academy expanded my awareness where my knowledge increased, and my life experiences were refined through school trips, activities and by interacting with different age groups inside and outside the school. It boosted my confidence and made me more able in communicating with others,” he said.

Kofa notes that the years of study at Awsaj Academy were not without challenges, as he is struggling with some subjects such as mathematics, but he was able to overcome his challenges thanks to the support of his teachers.

Kofa loves music and is very good at playing the drums and writing lyrics. He is also very active on social media and has a lot of followers.

He believes that although his time at Awsaj Academy is over, this phase marks the beginning of a new one, “but it will not be the end of my journey with Awsaj Academy as the skills and knowledge that I have acquired here will remain with me throughout my academic and professional career.”

Academic and personal experience

Hussain Al-Kharraz, another graduate of Awsaj Academy, still remembers the first day he joined – five years ago. “My feelings were a mixture of enthusiasm and anxiety. Moving to a new school and meeting new friends is wonderful, but at the same time I didn't know how well I was going to adapt and how these experiences would affect my life.

“Today, as I graduate from the academy, I feel as if I am leaving my second home – the home that has developed my academic and personal skills. Here, I learned a lot about myself and about others, and about what is going on in the world.”

Al Kharraz notes that he will continue his academic career at QF stating that he will join the Academic Bridge Program, under the umbrella of Pre-University Education at QF, and “I will improve my communication skills. I will also strive to continue to work hard as I did at Awsaj Academy, to achieve all my goals.”