Twelve-year-old Walid Al-Hussein, just like any other child his age, had big dreams for his future. He wanted to become a lawyer and defend the rights of others. However, his dream has now been shattered as he and his family were forced to flee their home in the city of Kafranbel to a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in northern Idlib, on the border with Turkey.
Walid’s family, along with thousands of others, were forced to leave their homes due to the ongoing conflict in Syria. They left behind everything they knew and loved, including their schools and education.
“The distance of schools from our home in the camp made me leave education and give up my dream,” Walid said with a heavy heart. Like many other children in IDP camps, Walid’s education has been put on hold due to the lack of access to schools.
Education is a basic human right and a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future. However, for children like Walid, this right has been stripped away from them due to the circumstances they find themselves in.
According to the United Nations, there are currently 2.8 million children out of school in Syria, with many of them living in IDP camps. This means that more than half of the country’s children are missing out on crucial education and opportunities for a better future.
The situation is dire, but it is not without hope. Organizations and individuals around the world are working tirelessly to provide education to children in IDP camps, including those in northern Idlib.
One such organization is Save the Children, which has set up temporary learning spaces in the camp where Walid and his family currently reside. These spaces provide children with a safe and conducive environment to learn and catch up on their education.
Through these learning spaces, Save the Children has reached over 10,000 children in IDP camps in northern Idlib alone, giving them the chance to continue their education and pursue their dreams.
But it’s not just about providing basic education. These learning spaces also offer psychosocial support to children who have been through trauma and hardship. They provide a sense of normalcy and hope for a brighter future.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my education and learn new things,” Walid said with a smile on his face. “I hope to one day become a lawyer and help others like me who have been through difficult times.”
Walid’s story is just one of many heartbreaking stories of children who have been affected by the conflict in Syria. But it is also a story of resilience and hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still room for dreams and aspirations.
As the world works towards finding a solution to the conflict in Syria, it is important to not forget about the children like Walid who are the future of the country. Providing them with access to education and opportunities is crucial in ensuring a better and brighter future for Syria.
It is also a reminder to all of us that we can make a difference, no matter how small. Whether it is through donating to organizations that support education in IDP camps or simply spreading awareness about the issue, we all have a role to play in creating a better world for these children.
Let’s not let the dreams of children like Walid be shattered. Let’s work together to give them the chance to pursue their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their country.
