Realised dream of becoming an airline pilot
Maya Ghazal, 24, a Syrian refugee, is Goodwill Ambassador of UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. Following the civil war in Syria, which broke out on 15 March 2011, Maya Ghazal fled Damascus in 2015. At the age of 16, she started a new life in the UK through a family reunification programme. Maya taught herself English and overcame numerous barriers to get a place at school and resume her interrupted studies. Through a combination of hard work and persistence, she secured a place at university and graduated in 2022 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Pilot Studies. She now works as a research engineer. At the age of 21, Maya realised her dream of becoming Syria’s first female pilot.
On 23 September 2023, she was the guest of honour at the Secret Hangar, the gala evening organised at Lugano airport by Air-Dynamic in cooperation with UNHCR Switzerland.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict highlights the extreme hardship and suffering of refugees every day. An experience you experienced first-hand during the civil war in Syria. Maya, what are your memories?
“I was twelve years old when the armed struggle broke out. At first I didn’t understand what was going on, but when the bombs came to Damascus, I had to grow up fast. When my father went to work every morning, there was a chance we would never see him again. I had to change schools three times because nothing was safe any more. I realised the importance of education’.
In 2015, she was forced to flee Damascus and started a new life in England. The biggest difficulty?
“Struggling to get an education. I had to face death to go to school in Syria and it broke my heart that I was not accepted into UK schools straight away. This trip gave me the strength and determination to understand the value of education and allowed me to show the human side of refugees. Sharing my story with so many others who despite adversity have managed to succeed and find their place in the world”.
Her role as ambassador of UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, helps to focus on an increasingly topical and sensitive issue every day. What is her mission?
“When talking about refugees it is important not to fall into stereotypes, because not all stories are the same. They deserve attention as human beings, with their dreams and hopes. They are not just individuals who have been affected by war, but people with infinite potential and unique skills. Refugees always want to give something back to their host communities and countries. Investing in their qualities means betting on a new generation of human beings who will give the world ideas and values to appreciate”.
Your strongest message as UNHCR ambassador?
“Every act of kindness can change someone’s life and those who believe in us will be rewarded with our commitment and talent.
At the age of 21, she realised her dream and became the first Syrian pilot. What does this achievement mean to her?
“When I arrived in London, I stayed in a hotel near Heathrow Airport. I was fascinated by the planes and admired them for hours, they were so elegant. When I was told that I would not make it as a pilot because I was a woman and because I was Syrian, I decided to prove everyone wrong. My goal was to succeed for myself and for millions of people who were told they could not do something because of their background. I wanted to break down social barriers and be seen for who I was and not where I came from, as Syrians are not allowed to go to other countries. That is why I love flying, in the sky there are no restrictions’.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
“The first is that each one of us is allowed to have our own dream, so we can realise it with passion and dedication. There is an incredible force within us to use for the common good, because we have a duty to make this world a better place. We must live in the present and recognise that destiny is in our hands. Feel accepted and recognised in every way without being limited by stereotypes or labels’.
Extract of an interview conducted by Margherita Calabi, Lifestyle Director of Wall Street Italia
