28 Apr 2025
Abdul-Mu’ti’s Handmade Hope
He Lost What He Loved but Pushed Forward
Sometimes life happens too quickly. What should be a soft childhood filled with adventures and silliness ends abruptly, leaving a vacuum that forces a child to grow up all too soon. In 2015, five-year-old Abdul-Mu’ti Muhammad Andani faced a loss that would change the course of his life forever. When his father passed away, he was left with a void that seemed impossible to fill and responsibilities far beyond his years as the eldest of four siblings. He was forced to grow up.
“I felt a huge void in my life after his death,” Abdul-Mu’ti recalled.
Living in Aleppo with his mother and three younger siblings, Abdul-Mu’ti watched as his mother worked tirelessly to meet their needs. While his friends lived carefree lives, studying and playing without worry, Abdul-Mu’ti’s childhood took a different path. He did not have time to play. He devoted himself to studying.
“I decided not to let these circumstances defeat me and to work on improving my situation.”
Abdul-Mu’ti channeled his energy into two passions: education and invention. His mother’s encouragement pushed him to excel academically, and he became the top student in his class. Simultaneously, he discovered his passion for engineering.
“I had a great passion for invention, and I started small projects. I invented a small fan using old, unusable materials and then created a small drill.”
At our MWL center in Idlib, where Abdul-Mu’ti has been sponsored for three years, his talents have found room to flourish. He regularly participates in photography classes, chess games, and computer skills sessions. These opportunities have revealed new dimensions of his potential.
Through photography, Abdul-Mu’ti discovered a creative side, developing a passion for capturing beautiful moments. Chess taught him strategic thinking and quick decision-making, building his mental abilities and confidence. Computer sessions opened new horizons of knowledge.
The center has become a showcase for his inventive spirit. During creative workshops, his simple yet innovative items – like the small fan and drill made from discarded materials – captured everyone’s attention. When displayed at the center’s exhibitions, visitors express admiration for his creativity, further fueling his confidence.
Despite all he has faced, Abdul-Mu’ti holds fast to a powerful dream: to become a doctor. “My biggest dream is to become a doctor, to help people and fulfill the dreams my mother has for us, as she has sacrificed so much,” he says.
Now 14 years old, Abdul-Mu’ti reflects on his life with hope, “The journey hasn’t been easy, but I have a strong will to succeed and prove to myself and my family that I can overcome any obstacle. I’ve learned a lot from the challenges I’ve faced, and those hardships have become valuable lessons that helped me grow and develop.”
His story stands as a testament to what becomes possible when a child’s resilience meets opportunity and support. Through the center’s programs and his sponsor’s commitment, Abdul-Mu’ti has transformed his pain into purpose, his hardship into hope.
“I consider myself lucky to have learned from the difficulties and become stronger and more determined to succeed,” he shares. “My story is one of hope and perseverance, and I hope it inspires anyone facing challenges in life.”
For Abdul-Mu’ti, the future isn’t just something to dream about, it’s something he’s building with his own hands.
