Behind the green-colored gate of the educational center, dozens of children play and run in the vast courtyard. They laugh, shout and talk as teachers look on. Then the bell rings, and the tiny children line up and start heading to their classrooms.

This is an educational center run by the Egyptian nonprofit Fard Foundation, which tries to help Egypt's Syrian refugees return to school. It is in 6th of October City, some 32 kilometers (20 miles) outside Cairo. This city houses thousands of Syrians, some of whom also own shops there. It is called Little Damascus due to the huge influx of Syrians.

"I left my school in Damascus four years ago. When I came to Egypt with my family, I didn't know anyone, or any place. I felt that I was a stranger," Hashem, 14, told Al-Monitor. "I joined this center last year. I feel that I am at home. I like the teachers and my friends so much. Here I am studying computers and learning French and English as well."

Before settling in 6th of October City, Hashem spent months in some Egyptian coastal cities. But at this educational center, he feels more comfortable as all the teachers and his fellow students are Syrians. This makes it easier for him to communicate and even to dream of his future.