Education can help a child reach for their dreams
Thirteen-year-old Danyal* shares the change that happened in his life seven years ago when he escaped conflict in Syria.
With his 12-year-old sister Maya* and their whole family, he was forced to flee from the violence and bombings. Since then, they have been living in a displacement camp far away from home.
Losing their home has been compounded by other losses …
They lost their father in a warplane attack, followed by the tragic death of their younger sister after a car hit her when crossing the street. Then Danyal himself lost vision in one eye due to a freak accident while at camp. Their lives have drastically changed.
Still a challenging situation
Fourteen years ago this month marks the start of the brutal conflict in Syria. After years of immense hardship, violence, displacement and deprivation, today most of the country is experiencing relative calm and there is a shared hope for a brighter future for Syria’s children.
The transition of power following recent developments presents a potential path toward hope and stability, but the humanitarian crisis in Syria remains severe. As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, significant uncertainty persists.
Years of conflict, economic turmoil and the ongoing impacts of last year’s devastating earthquake have shattered the country, forced millions out of their homes and schools, destroyed critical infrastructure, and made food and other basics unaffordable for many - leaving half a million children facing malnutrition. It has also left an entire generation of children with severe and lasting mental health wounds.
The response you help make possible
Save the Children has been working in Syria since 2012. With the help of donors, we’re giving families access to food and clean water, winter supplies and essential household items to survive harsh conditions. We’re providing children with the nutritional support and health care to stay healthy.
Children’s emotional resilience and well-being are prioritised through psychosocial support programs, establishing safe spaces, and rehabilitating playgrounds.
A life-changing difference
In conflict, children’s learning becomes even more crucial. With the help of supporters, our teams have set up temporary education centres and Child Friendly Spaces for children to play, recover and learn.
In the displacement camp in Northeast Syria, Danyal and his sister Maya enrolled at Save the Children’s Educational Centre. The establishment of this centre was made possible by The Global Partnership for Education and kind people like you. Attending it has been life-changing for the siblings. They began to read, write and participated in psychological support sessions.
Now Danyal is in grade 5, and Maya is in grade 4.
At school Maya finds the support she needs to overcome the enormous loss from conflict.
Photo: Delil Souleiman / Save the Children.
From staying cooped up in their tent all the time, they are now going out to study with their friends, having fun and playing football and volleyball.
In the displacement camp, they see a future where their dreams can be fulfilled.