With the crisis in Syria entering into its eighth year this week, Caritas Australia continues to support children who have been displaced by the war in Syria, which is now the largest displacement crisis in the world since World War II.
Caritas Australia, a member of one the world’s largest humanitarian aid networks, is bringing hope to Syrian refugee children through education.
12 year-old Bayan, one of the 5.6 million Syrian refugees who have sought sanctuary in the neighbouring countries in the region, is living with her family in Jordan.
She grew up in the Syria’s capital Damascus with her parents and six siblings.
"Before the war in Syria, we were safe. We lived a comfortable life," says Hanan, Bayan’s mother.
"Everything was alright in terms of living expenses and the availability of education for the kids."
For those who remain within Syria, frequent upsurges of violence, like that in Eastern Ghouta which recently killed over 1000 people, continue to threaten lives, destroy schools and hospitals, and uproot families. According to the World Health Organisation, 57 percent of Syria’s public hospitals have been damaged, while 37 percent no longer function.
Program Coordinator for Caritas Australia’s Humanitarian Emergencies Group, Suzy McIntyre, spoke of Caritas Australia’s trauma recovery efforts with Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan
"A sometimes overlooked area of need is the trauma faced by children who, though they may not have witnessed the war in Syria themselves, experience the severe effects of trauma faced by their parents and older siblings," Mrs McIntyre said.
Bayan is one of the 8000 children in 25 Caritas schools in Jordan who are receiving an education and a chance at a hopeful future.
"I would like to become the best ophthalmologist, as sight is the most important thing in our lives. If it wasn’t for sight, we would not be able to read, write or learn," Bayan says.
*Caritas Australia is grateful for the ongoing support of the Australian government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership. Their support significantly contributes to the success of this program and improving the lives of students like Bayan.
High resolution photos are available by visiting: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wllpk0dgolchqkj/AAAqLpoa8kaKzaH6tvKPaObTa?dl=0 ---
Caritas media
