On 15 March 2025, the devastating Syria crisis turns 14 years. A recent assessment by various agencies revealed the severe impact of the crisis on children's mental health and education.

Roving Reporter Tim Swanston delivers a powerful piece to camera from a World Vision-supported health centre in Northwest Syria. He sheds light on the critical health challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) and the devastating impact of conflict on Syria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Over 16 million Syrians still need urgent support in livelihoods, health, education, and more and children bear the heaviest burden. At @World Vision Syria Response, we’ve reached over 250,000+ people in Türkiye, providing aid, protection, and livelihoods support. But the 2023 earthquake’s impact still lingers, as families remain displaced, and children are vulnerable. The road to recovery is long, but our work isn’t over. Syria needs support now more than ever.

“Every day, we meet children who have forgotten how to laugh or play. They are fearful, withdrawn, and traumatised by the horrors they have witnessed,” said Emmanuel Isch, World Vision’s Syria Response Director. “If we fail to address their mental health and immediate basic needs now, we risk losing an entire generation to the invisible scars of war.”

His story is one of resilience, of finding light in the darkest moments. As Syria begins a new chapter of healing, Nader dares to dream of a future where he, too, can help others rebuild.

Zaher Jaber, Communications Officer at World Vision Syria, reflects on how, 14 years since the conflict began, the hopes of the Syrian people now rest on a single dream – the dream of returning to their homes. Despite the hardships, this hope remains a beacon for many, as they hold onto the possibility of rebuilding their lives and communities.

Advocacy video from Aleppo - World Vision Syria Response

World Vision’s protection project, funded by Irish Aid and implemented through local partner Shafak, aims to empower women financially and socially through literacy training, financial education, the creation of support groups and small businesses, and vocational training to support women’s income generation.

With the launch of a “Back to Learning” campaign, Yassin and thousands of other children returned to school, eager to embrace the opportunities that had long been out of grasp. Parents were engaged, teachers trained, and psychological support workers provided to help children adjust. Thanks to support from the Syria Cross-border Humanitarian Fund, 20,000 children have received educational services and psychological care.