Alumni Spotlight: Zainab’s Remarkable Journey
Imagine fleeing your home as a child because of civil war—only to have to flee again, and again. That’s the story of Zainab, a Seeds of Literacy graduate whose path to success was shaped by loss, resilience, and unwavering determination.
A Childhood Marked by Conflict
Born in Iraq, Zainab was just nine years old when the Kurdish War forced her family to escape to neighboring Syria. There, despite the upheaval, she excelled in school—earning praise and high marks from her teachers.
Then tragedy struck again.
When the Syrian War broke out, Zainab’s father went missing. Her remaining family had no choice but to return to Iraq. Unfortunately, she struggled in school there. Just three months later, cultural pressures and ongoing safety concerns forced her to stop her education altogether.
The family fled once more—this time to Jordan, where they lived for four years.
Finding Refuge—and a New Start—in Cleveland
In 2016, Zainab arrived in Cleveland as a refugee, supported by a local resettlement organization. Though she had studied English in the Middle East, she says it was never her strongest subject. Adjusting to life in the U.S. with only a basic grasp of the language was overwhelming—especially as her family spoke no English at all.
Seeds of Literacy doesn’t offer English as a Second Language (ESL), so her family was unable to attend. But Zainab knew just enough English to enroll in 2018 and begin preparing for her U.S. citizenship exam.
In 2022, she became a U.S. Citizen, passing the exam on her first attempt—an achievement made even more remarkable by the years of hardship she had endured. But she wasn’t done yet. Her next goal: earning a high school equivalency diploma.
Turning Pain into Purpose, Giving Back
Zainab works as an Arabic translator, guiding newly arrived refugees through the challenges of resettlement. What began as a translation role has grown into something much larger. She now supports job readiness classes, works the front desk, and partners closely with case workers to support refugee families.
Because she’s been in their shoes, Zainab connects deeply with the families she helps. “I tell them, ‘I am the same as you. It gets easier,’” she says.
Zainab not only helps refugees navigate systems and learn to use American appliances—she helps them feel comfortable. After hours, she volunteers her time collecting and delivering necessities: rugs, curtains, clothes, TVs, winter coats, and more. Some are donated by local American friends, but many she purchases herself. Her goal isn’t just to furnish houses or provide creature comforts—it’s to create homes.
A Graduation Years in the Making
Zainab’s commitment to learning never wavered. For six years, she worked toward her high school equivalency. Over time, her English fluency and confidence grew. She became more independent, more comfortable asking for help, and more certain of her path.
Most importantly to Zanaib, she not only improved her own life, she has improved the lives of so many others through her education. Combined with passion, her education has allowed her to help countless refugees.
In March 2025, Zainab passed her final GED subject and proudly walked across the stage as a member of Seeds of Literacy’s Class of 2025.
The Next Chapter
Today, Zainab is enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College, continuing her education and working toward an even brighter future.
Her sister, inspired by her journey, has recently enrolled at Seeds of Literacy – another example of Zainab’s education having a positive impact on everyone around her.
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