Education program in Northwest Syria inspires Nader’s journey of healing and hope

Nader is just 11 years old, yet he has faced more hardship than many do in a lifetime.

Two years ago, he was struck by a cargo truck while crossing the road. His injuries were beyond what local hospitals could manage, forcing his desperate parents to seek help across borders. After countless pleas and paperwork, Nader was transferred to Türkiye for urgent medical treatment. 

He returned home after multiple operations, still requiring care, but life in Syria had not paused in his absence. While his body healed, his education had been stolen from him, like it had been from 2.4 million other Syrian children.

Determined to secure a future for her son, Nader’s mother reached out to World Vision Syria Response’s education centre in Northwest Syria. Enrolled in a catch-up programme, he began reclaiming the two years he had lost. 

But recovery for children like Nader extends beyond the classroom.

Fourteen years of conflict have left deep emotional wounds in Syria’s children. Fear, anxiety, and trauma have become their unwelcome companions. With mental health services severely lacking, many young survivors struggle in silence. 

But Nader found solace in psychological support sessions funded by the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund, learning to navigate the storms inside him.

It was in these sessions that he finally spoke about another terrifying experience—the Syria-Türkiye earthquake of 2023. His voice trembles as he recalls the moment his world shook:

"I woke up to drink a glass of water, only to feel the house moving. One moment, our home stood firm, the next, buildings were crumbling around us," said Nader.

Just as he began regaining a sense of stability, life tested him once more—his father passed away. The loss shattered him. But within the walls of his education centre, he found a second family. His teacher became his guide, his classmates his support system.

Despite everything, Nader refuses to surrender to despair. He excels in school and clings to a dream that has become his beacon:

"I want to be a doctor—to help people who’ve been hurt, like me." Nader added.

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. 

As he is fighting for his own future, Syrians across the country are coming together to heal, restore, and reclaim the lives they once knew. The road ahead is long, but hope is no longer just a distant dream—it is a promise of a new beginning. 

The impact of the Syrian conflict on children has been particularly devastating. The destruction of education infrastructure has left over 7,000 schools damaged or destroyed and 2 million children out of school, with another 1 million children at risk of dropping out.

Story and photos by Communications Officer Zaher Jaber and MEC's Communications & Public Engagement Senior Advisor Karla Harvey