May 20, 2025
Eez's path to university and lifelong learning with Kiron
Devoted father and Syrian refugee, Eez’s story demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of lifelong learning.
Insights
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Eez aldin Alkhatib recently completed his bachelor’s degree at Beirut’s Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS). At 44 years old, the married father of two graduated with a 3.33 GPA (4.0 being a perfect grade) while working remotely as a Finance Coordinator. “Sounds great, so far, right? But three years ago, it was a different story,” he says.
Forced to flee Syria in 2013 due to the conflict, Eez arrived in Lebanon with limited resources and an uncertain future. “I found myself a refugee in Lebanon with very little money, barely enough to rent a house for three months.” At the time, he already had two diplomas from Aleppo University and Cambridge University’s open learning program. With experience as an accounting software salesman, Eez was looking forward to getting his BA next, and becoming a certified public accountant. “But the war threw my dreams away,” he recalls.
The early years in Lebanon were the most difficult. “There was no way to continue my studies,” Eez says, “and I had to prioritize my finances, especially with two children to provide for and educate.” At his first opportunity, Eez began studying for the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) certification and passed two foundational courses. But unfortunately, he lost his job due to issues with his residence documents. “No words can describe the feeling of anger, hopelessness, and defeat that overwhelmed me in that moment,” he says. “Still, I strongly believed I could succeed, and the learning would lead me to something. I kept telling myself that nothing is permanent and that persistence overcomes bad luck.
In 2021, Eez found a new job, which he describes as “a miracle in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Determined to continue learning, Eez completed several online courses through Edrak and edX, before finding Kiron, and a new path forward.
Through a now-discontinued Kiron program, Eez secured funding that covered 35% of his tuition at MUBS, enabling him to begin his bachelor’s degree. “It was difficult going to campus with grey hair at 41 years old,” he says. But I was pleasantly surprised by how my studies impacted my children. There was no need to tell them to study. Every evening, they sat with me to study and finish their homework, and their grades improved dramatically.
Beyond formal education, Eez has found immense value in Kiron’s Coursera offerings. “I cannot find the words to thank Kiron for the Coursera courses. I finished many courses, but the most interesting one was Learning How to Learn with Barbara Oakley. I learned how to be a lifelong learner, and how to deal with obstacles like overstudying and procrastination.” He likens this enriching experience to Aladdin discovering the hidden cave of riches and magical artifacts in the Disney movie Aladdin.
Having just finished his BA, Eez is focused on the future. “I do not have a specific plan. I am experiencing economic challenges, like many in Lebanon, but I believe I am well-equipped. I am currently working on obtaining my ACCA certificate, and I’m thinking about pursuing a master’s degree,” he says. “Kiron has made me a lifelong learner, and I believe that small steps like learning and upskilling will lead me to a successful future.”
Learn more about Kiron’s job-readiness and upskilling programs here!
