At the heart of a school in Qabr Essit camp, Damascus, children and young adults who have suffered terrible experiences in the Syria conflict share with their peers how it is possible to maintain hope for a better future.
“My favourite subject is maths and my dream is to be a maths teacher,” said 10-year-old Raghad, who is wheelchair-bound after suffering injuries during clashes. “My disability will not dim my ambition; it has actually made me more motivated and given me more energy to pursue my dream.”
Raghad, Walid, and Farid are among thousands of young people in Syria who have lost limbs along with many aspects of their childhood during the ongoing armed conflict.
Together, they entertained a packed house in August with a play called Towards a Better Future. Telling the story of violence and destruction in Palestine refugee camps in Syria, one of the main themes revealed the vulnerability of children in conflict.
Yet, there was also a message of hope. The performance by Raghad, Walid and Farid revealed their resilience, their ability to adapt to their new situations and their willingness to face the challenges ahead.
Farid, 20, said, “I lost my leg when a mortar shell landed near me when I was walking in the street. Although I know that God has plans for each human being, all my dreams were turned upside down by my injury. But I stay hopeful that the situation gets better so that children will not face similar situations.”
Farid left school four years ago to support his six-member family. Despite his disability, he hopes to find the means to open a small canteen to support his family.
The performance in Qabr Essit camp is one example of how UNRWA teachers in Syria are helping young people affected by the conflict express themselves, develop self-confidence and participate in school activities. Raghad, Walid and Farid said the teachers’ efforts mean they don’t feel isolated or excluded. They feel they have a role in the community, like any other person.
UNRWA staff and Palestine refugees attending the performance were moved by the stories. “The children inspired us with their hope, determination, energy and enthusiasm,” one refugee in the audience said.
The performance concluded with the young people appealing for artificial limbs and psychosocial support, and asking UNRWA to help them share their stories with the local and international community.