Children's Right to Complete their Educational Journey

How does it feel for children to stay at home when they are supposed to be at school? How could they feel when seeing other children going to school when they aren’t? When considering such questions, answers are unimaginable. Going to school is a global right for every child, they deserve to receive an education, make friends, and build a fruitful future without facing any obstacles. However, this is not the case for 2.4 million children in Syria who left their schools due to war and poverty. Furthermore, there are 1.6 million other children at risk of dropping out. Children with disabilities have limited access to their rights such as receiving proper education.

An urgent action is needed in NWS, therefore, World Vision is implementing an educational project to support children sitting back in their rightful place. 2,900 children are now given the chance to complete their education, with more focus on conflict-affected children. Thus, the project establishes equitable access of safe places to non-formal education for children who have been deprived from education since years. Providing students with stationary, books and bags to fulfil their needs. Coming back to education after being away for years isn’t easy; for children, parents and teachers. That’s why the Basic Literacy and Numeracy Curriculum (BLN) took place. Let’s get to know some interesting stories of strong children [from grade one] who are in their way to move into formal education.

Karam*, 12, was born in the midst of war.  His father died, and his mother got remarried. Karam currently lives with his brother and grandparents at one of the displacement camps. Due to displacements, Karam has been away from education for three years, this further exacerbated his suffering and affected his personality. “Since his enrolment, Karam was highly aggressive with his classmates, was frequently absent and his educational level was very week”. Karam’s teacher says

His life seemed to show a positive turn after enrolling in school again, but it took him a while to adapt as he required attention and intensive assistance. As karam lost his father too early; he needed someone to fill this place, thus, he is very connected to his teacher Hisham*. Their bond became stronger as Hisham highly cares for Karam, he constantly motivates him to participate in activities and interact with classmates. “After giving him time and support; he significantly improved, became proactive and sociable". Hisham adds.

Karam also attends psychological support sessions and this is reflected on his attitude, educational level and mental well-being. “I love school, I write, read and play with my friends, I do my homework....I love my teacher; he plays with us and let us decorate our tent”. He shares.

Similarly, to Karam’s story, Faris*, 11, also lost his father due to war bombarding. His mother got remarried and left him with his grandparents and siblings. After five tiring displacement journeys; they are currently settled at one of the camps in NWS. Their situation is very harsh, the camp lacks basic needs and Faris couldn’t tolerate being away from school. After four years; he is finally back to school and is now enrolled in the BLN curriculum. “At the beginning; Faris couldn’t hold the pen correctly, he used to cry and wasn’t willing to go to school”. The teacher says. “We started the journey through games, psychological activities, colouring decorating, then we moved to the next stage of teaching, he is now fluent in reading and writes all letters”. The teacher adds. Faris is now committed to school, confident about himself, surrounded by friends. “I have friends, I feel excited each day I come to school, and I get full marks in spelling tests”. Faris explains.

Extreme poverty, war and displacement have forced many children to leave school and work to financially support their families. That was the case for Haneen*, 10-year-old. She used to work with her father in agriculture fields and this has left her away from school for four years. “I felt heartbroken and oppressed when I saw children going to school and I had to work and work was so tiring”. Haneen expresses.

Like any child at her age, Haneen wanted nothing but going back to school. When World Vision opened their door to support children like Haneen, Haneen’s father didn’t hesitate to let her leave work and go to school. “I was dreaming of going back to school, have a backpack, books and to achieve my future dream to become a teacher”. Haneen shares. She is now enrolled in the remedial education where she learns and practices social life with her friends.

Children with disabilities are more likely to be deprived of their education like 7-year-old Lara*. She lives with her parents and siblings at a displacement camp. Lara suffers from a rare disorder; Hypopituitarism which affects her body functions and growth. After being away from school [1-year], she joined immediately after the establishment of World Vision’s school at her camp. In her previous school; Lara experienced bullying from her classmates due to her short stature, she became more isolated and introverted, this has worsened her psychological state.

However, since joining grade 1, she started to love school and became more confident, strong and sociable. “Lara is receiving the care and support she needs, her behaviour has positively changed, she became cheerful and started to have friends”. The teacher says.

These children are among the 100 supported children under the non-formal education, they are enrolled in the BLN curriculum to improve their skills in preparation for the next stage. Children will also receive monthly money to financially support them in completing their educational journey. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of teachers who are giving from their bottoms of their hearts.