From Project to Purpose: How Titan Yasir Is Sparking a Love of Engineering Among Refugee Youth

Titan has always enjoyed engineering, both of his parents are engineers, but he realized that many of his peers didn’t truly understand what engineering was. That realization sparked an idea: “I remember in 10th grade, my parents asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I wasn’t really sure,” Titan said. “A lot of people wanted to be engineers, but never really got exposure to it. So, I’m kind of hoping that I can give that exposure to other people too. Maybe spark their interest, it might not be engineering, but it could be architecture or something similar.”

Eco Engineers and Giving Back

That idea grew into Eco Engineers, a student-led program that now includes 25 volunteers, all of them are fellow Village School students. They teach kids simple engineering concepts through hands-on activities using recycled materials.

“I wanted to teach engineering,” Titan said, “but also show them how we can use things like cardboard, straws and paper in a creative way. It’s about engineering, but also about the environment.”

This isn’t Titan’s first-time teaching. Last summer, he volunteered at refugee centers, tutoring kids in subjects like math, English and science. He noticed there weren’t many engineering activities, and he saw a clear opportunity to build something new. That’s when he knew he would launch the Eco Engineers program. What started as a school project meant to last three or four weeks has now grown into a four-month-long commitment and it’s just the beginning.

Each week, Titan and his fellow volunteers visit refugee centers. There, they teach kids ages 8 to 12 using simple but engaging engineering projects. “We make toys like parachutes, catapults and wind-powered cars, all using recycled materials,” he explained. “The idea is to teach them things like air resistance and renewable energy but in a way that’s fun and makes sense.”

One example is a wind-powered car made from cardboard and paper, topped with a sail. “When we blow on it or use a fan, it moves on its own,” Titan said. “It helps them understand energy and how things move things they can actually see and build themselves.”

The response has been a positive one. “Some of the kids have started saying they want to be engineers or architects,” Titan said. “One of the teachers at the center told us the kids look forward to Wednesdays; the day we visit.”

While he’s been teaching the students, Titan has been learning too. “As a high school student, we don’t usually get to teach others,” he said. “It takes a lot. Just getting everyone to be quiet takes energy! I’ve gained so much respect for teachers.”

What’s Next: Growing the Vision

Titan plans to continue Eco Engineers over the summer and into the next school year. He’s even thinking of ways to expand. “Right now, we’re just collecting recycled materials ourselves,” he said. “But I’d love to start doing monthly drives so we can collect more and make the process more efficient.”

A project that started in the classroom has grown into something bigger. It’s now a movement that’s empowering young minds, building confidence and giving refugee children a glimpse of what’s possible.

“Refugees are the ones who often get the least experience,” Titan said. “They’re moving a lot, or scared, or home alone while their parents are at work. I feel like they’re the ones who need it most—and I’m really grateful I get to be part of something that gives them that.”