Imagine one day waking up and finding yourself in a refugee camp.  Imagine you once had a home, freedom, food and more and in an instant, you’re confined to a tent called home or consuming food and drinks you never thought you would have. Picture yourself walking into a camp and inevitably labeled as a “refugee.” Imagine not being able to interact with people from the outside world.  Unfortunately, this is the life for many Syrian and Palestinian refugees residing in Jordan. 

About Me

My name is Leila and as a bio-engineering and neuroscience student at Syracuse University, I was taught that understanding a population’s needs and concerns of the latest scientific and health related advancements is critical to improving technology, services and delivery methods, to at-risk or underprivileged populations. This is even more important when providing humanitarian services for war-torn places or displaced populations, such as Syrian or Palestinian refugees that reside in Jordan.

International Service

Developing Together

In order to gain insight on the predicament of the Syrian and Palestinian refugees concerns and needs, a hands-on approach will be used through exposure, experience and interaction with the Syrian and Palestinian refugees residing in Jordan.  The knowledge obtained will help me assess the Syrian and Palestinian refugees’ needs, as well as ways to develop or improve, initiatives to enhance the refugees’ well-being.

Building a Humanitarian

Fortunately, I was selected as one of the Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) ambassadors from the United States to travel to Jordan, to meet and interact with Syrian and Palestinian refugees. 

Not only do I hope to learn from the refugees that I meet, but as an American I would also like to build the bridge of patience, hope and solidarity for the Syrian and Palestinian refugees.  However, I cannot do this alone, I need your help.  Similar to building technological advancements, are you willing to help build a humanitarian?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WARQID-U-Jg