CEFR A2 Level
Understand simple stories and common phrases.
Amal is seventeen. She lives in a small village with her family. Her parents are kind, but they are poor. Her father is sick and cannot work. Her mother stays at home to care for him and the children.
Amal is the oldest child. She has two little brothers and one baby sister. Every day, she helps her family. But she also goes to school. She wants a better future.
She wakes up at 5:30 every morning. First, she helps her mother prepare breakfast. Then she washes her face and puts on her school clothes. She does not have a phone or a watch, but she always knows the time.
Amal walks 4 kilometers to school. Sometimes, her shoes are wet from the rain. Sometimes, the sun is very hot. But she keeps walking. She never misses school. She loves learning. Her favorite subject is science.
After school, Amal does not rest. She works at a small bakery in town. She washes dishes. She cleans the floor. She smiles at the customers. The bakery smells like fresh bread. Her hands are often tired, but she keeps going.
At night, her house is quiet. Sometimes, there is no electricity. Amal lights a candle and studies. She reads her science book and takes notes. Her baby sister sleeps beside her.
Amal dreams of becoming a doctor. She wants to help her village. She wants to make her parents proud.
Life is hard for Amal. But she is strong. She is full of hope. Her story shows that even with little, you can still dream big.
Seventeen years.
Small village.
Big dreams.
Five-thirty comes, the dark is deep.
Everyone else is still asleep.
Father is sick, he cannot stand.
Mother is kind, she holds his hand.
Amal wakes up, cold floor on feet.
Makes the bread for them to eat.
Oldest child, she works so hard.
She washes her face.
She brushes her hair.
She lifts her hands in a morning prayer:
“Oh Allah, never leave me alone!
Never leave me alone!
Guide me through the dark!
Give me strength to live and grow!
Please always stand by my side!
Oh Allah! You are the only Light!”
No silver watch.
No phone to use.
She looks at the sky to see the news.
She knows the time by the morning light.
Four kilometers! Walking the line!
In the heavy rain or the hot sun, slow!
Shoes are wet!
Throat is dry!
But she does not stop!
She passes by!
School is hope! Science is the key!
Amal knows what she wants to be!
School is done, but she does not rest.
She walks to town to do her best.
Bakery is hot, smells like bread.
Washing plates so people are fed.
Cleaning the floor.
Making a smile.
Hands are tired after every mile.
Body is tired, but she goes on.
She remembers God’s promise, from dusk to dawn:
The good will always win!
ALWAYS, they will win!
ALWAYS, they will win!
ALWAYS, they will win!
ALWAYS, they will win!
The house is quiet. The lights are out.
Baby sister sleeps, safe and sound.
Light the match.
See the fire start.
One small candle lights the room...
Lights her world.
She reads her books!
She uses her mind!
Her eyes are open!
Her heart is kind!
Doctor Amal!
Her dream is here!
To help the village!
To stop the fear!
To build a better future!
Little to have...
But much to dream.
Amal is the FIRE...
Amal is the DREAM.
AMAL IS THE DREAM!
AMAL IS THE DREAM!
AMAL IS THE DREAM!
AMAL IS THE DREAM!