November 7, 2024
News
In spite of the challenging environment of Syria, Maryam, a 12-year-old from Jeb Al Dam, remains determined to pursue her education and dreams of becoming a teacher. She hopes to be a part of the movement to rebuild her country after thirteen years of conflict and last year's earthquake have left all of Syria struggling, with millions in need of humanitarian aid.
Conflict in Syria greatly impacts Maryam and her whole family
In the eastern countryside of Aleppo, in the village of Jeb Al Dam, lives 12-year-old Maryam with her family, which includes her parents and five siblings — four girls and one boy. Life is not easy for Maryam’s family; her father works irregularly in construction, earning a low wage that makes it difficult to maintain a stable and adequate income. This financial strain has forced some of her siblings to leave school and find work to help support the household.
However, Maryam remains steadfast in her commitment to education. Now in her sixth year of primary school, she is determined to continue her studies and follow her passion for learning, even as the effects of over thirteen years of war have taken a toll on her and her community. "I want to keep learning, no matter what," says Maryam. Yet, the pressures around her weigh heavily on her young shoulders. The instability caused by the years of conflict, along with the financial burden on her family, means that every day is a struggle — not just for basic needs, but also for emotional resilience.
Psychological support from Caritas Czech Republic helps Maryam grow as an individual
Maryam's friends introduced her to the psychological support sessions run by our partner Takaful Al Sham Charity Organisation. Curious and hopeful, she decided to attend one of the sessions. From the first meeting, she found a sense of comfort and enjoyment, which led her to become a regular participant.
During these sessions, our colleagues noticed that Maryam struggled with communication and extreme shyness. After speaking with her family, they learned that these challenges had been present for a long time, and her mother felt helpless about how to assist her daughter.
In response, our colleagues created a personalised plan for Maryam, with specialsessions to help strengthen her communication skills through focused exercises and activities to build confidence. The aim was to give Maryam a safe and encouraging space where she could slowly open up and grow.
As the sessions continued, Maryam’s progress was undeniable. She started to engage more actively in the activities and discussions, her self-confidence visibly improving. Her family also began to notice these changes at home, as she started communicating more naturally and openly, sharing her thoughts and feelings with them in a way she had not before. The impact of these sessions extended beyond her family life; Maryam also became more outgoing and livelier when interacting with her friends in the neighbourhood.
Maryam's dream to give back to her community
Like many children in Syria, Maryam’s heart is full of the innocence and wonder of childhood. She has a love for reading and drawing, but her aspirations do not end there. She is driven by a dream to become a teacher, to educate the children of her village, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need for a brighter future—one filled with hope and the possibility of change. "I want to teach the children in my village so they can have a future full of hope," she states with determination.
The situation in Syria remains dire after thirteen years of conflict and the devastating earthquake last year. The war, which began in 2011, has left over 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and the country's economy is struggling. High unemployment and lack of access to basic necessities like clean water and sanitation continue to pose severe challenges for the population. The recent escalation in Lebanon has further exacerbated the crisis in Syria, with thousands of people fleeing to the country.
Caritas Czech Republic's support in Syria
Caritas Czech Republic, in partnership with local organisations like Violet and Takaful Al Sham, has been actively involved in helping Syrians rebuild their lives. Through projects, such as the one funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, we provide psychological support and educational opportunities to empower individuals like Maryam to become agents of change in their communities
Caritas Czech Republic and its partners are committed to improving the lives of those affected by the conflict. We provide essential supplies, clean drinking water, and better sanitation to vulnerable households in northwest Syria. We also raise awareness about issues like violence against women and work to empower local communities to respond independently to emergencies.
Through these initiatives, Caritas Czech Republic aims to offer not just immediate relief but also long-term solutions that empower Syrians to rebuild their lives and contribute to the recovery of their communities. This work is made possible by the support of the European Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and the kindness of individual donors.
