Soon: Start of classes for Syrian children

Maram Badreddine is one of the 800 children and young people reached by our education project in Lebanon. The now 13-year-old was eight years old when her family fled from Syria to neighboring Lebanon. From one day to the next, the family of six had to reorganize their lives in a country that is itself marked by severe crises. Maram's family has no fixed source of income. Maram's father takes on day jobs or earns money with a bit of trading. "The neighbors told me about the school project. They told me that the education there is very good and safe," reports the 36-year-old. He is glad that Maram and her siblings can go to the Ghazza school. There is no other educational opportunity for them.

Maram wants to become a doctor

"I vividly recall my initial experience, which was truly remarkable,," says Maram Badreddine. Everything exceeded her expectations: the classrooms, the schoolyard, her classmates and, above all, the dedicated teachers. Most of them also fled the war in Syria - like Maram, her parents and her three siblings, who come from Jobar in Damascus. Maram is one of the best in her year. “In the future, I aspire to become a doctor and establish my own clinic, where I can provide assistance to those who are less fortunate and in need of my expertise and care."

Education transforms lives

Nimat Farhat Bizri is the founder and director of the Society of Social Support & Education (SSSE), our local partner organization. She is convinced that education is the only hope for children affected by war, displacement and migration.

The positive outcomes of our project are profound and far-reaching. We are witnessing how education is empowering these young children to dream big and pursue their career aspirations. Each success story from our former students shows how education can change lives and communities for the better. We have students who became doctors and are finishing their medical school with outstanding academic performance, others are engineers, teachers, and PhD candidates. Our students are embracing their passions and developing the skills needed to achieve their goals.

Nimat Farhat Bizri

Refugee families under pressure

After arriving in neighboring Lebanon, the refugees are confronted with numerous hardships and challenges. In crisis-ridden Lebanon, there is hardly any housing and hardly any work. Given the precarious situation, many of Maram's peers have to work to contribute to their families' income. They toil in the fields or collect plastic waste and scrap metal for a few Lebanese shillings. The children and young people affected by the war in Syria are considered particularly vulnerable. They are at risk of hostility, assault and sexual exploitation.

In the informal settlements of the Bekaa Valley, where many of the refugee families live, the SSSE team is often out and about and talks about how important it is for the children and young people concerned to come together regularly to learn and play. Going to school means getting the chance to play an active role in shaping their own future.

Education is a human right

Our education project with SSSE makes a big difference to the families it reaches. Abir Al Hussein reports that her two older children have found a good path into adult life after attending school. Her 13-year-old son Mohammed is currently at school in Ghazza. "I firmly believe that every child deserves the right to education, regardless of their economic background or origin. This is a fundamental principle that we must uphold. Education is the key to equipping our children with the skills they need to lead an independent and good life," emphasizes Abir Al Hussein.

Mohammed, a cheerful boy, especially likes his Arabic lessons. However, he is not a fan of math. Nevertheless, he always completes his homework quickly and reliably. Sometimes his mother helps. His great passion is sport. Mohammed is happy that there are sports activities at school and, above all, that he has been able to make friends there.

Further information on the project can be found here hier.