Qamar lost her father in 2012 after he was arrested by the regime, forcing her family to live in a crowded home with relatives. During the Assad regime, she didn’t have the opportunity to memorise the Qur’an due to the absence of Qur’an circles in local mosques. Despite these hardships, Qamar excelled at school and dreams of becoming a doctor to support her family and give back. After registering in the Rethink Huffaz Project at Masjid Al-Shifa in Hama, she has already memorised one juz’ of the Qur’an and is determined to complete the entire Holy Book. “I want to finish the Qur’an and clothe my father with the Crown of Honour on the Day of Judgement,” she says with heartfelt determination.

Maria was thrilled when she returned from school after topping her class, eager to share the news with her parents. But she soon learned their home had caught fire, and both were badly injured and hospitalised. She waited anxiously for her father’s return to tell him about her success, but he remained in hospital and later passed away. During this difficult time, her aunt, an Arabic teacher, supported her love of reading, storytelling, and poetry, helping Maria grow both academically and creatively. Now part of the Rethink Orphans project at Masjid Al-Shifa in Hama, Maria is determined to honour her father’s memory. She says, “I waited so long to tell my father about my achievements; now I carry his memory with me and work hard to make him proud.”

Hala excelled in school and was supported by her father, who encouraged her studies
despite difficulties at home. But eight months ago, her father passed away after a heart attack, leaving her devastated and afraid of her cousins who had often mistreated her. Struggling with grief, her grades began to decline until her mother reminded her that her father would want her to succeed. Now, with the support of the Rethink Orphans Project in Hama, Hala has regained her motivation, returning to her studies with strength and hope. She says, “I want to stay successful so my father will be proud of me in Paradise.”

Mais lost her father in a car accident in Idlib, where he had been searching for a home for his family. Now living with her mother and younger brother in her grandfather’s crowded household, she faces difficult financial conditions. Despite these challenges, Mais is determined to succeed. She dreams of becoming a doctor—not for wealth, but to help the poor and repay the kindness she has received. She has memorised part of the Qur’an and, with the support of the Orphans Project at Masjid Al-Shifa in Hama, she is continuing her education and Qur’an studies. Mais says, “I am proud to be part of this project. It gives me hope and helps me achieve my dreams.”