Overcoming another stepping stone

Sarah’s* story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of community support.
 

After 10 years of fleeing the horrors of the conflict in Aleppo, Sarah found herself in one of the Syrian displacement camps in the Northwest. Her mind was riddled with uncertainty and the constant struggle to provide for her family. The camp, though a refuge from the violence, presented its own set of challenges. Life in the cramped quarters of the camp was harsh, with limited resources and every day was a test of endurance.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Sarah refused to succumb to despair. As a mother of three, she was determined to find a way to support her family alongside her husband, who was doing all he could in the face of severe economic hardship. However, in the depths of her struggle, an old dream—one that had long been buried under the weight of her circumstances—began to resurface. Sarah had always wanted to become a hairdresser and own her own salon, but the dream had seemed impossible amidst the chaos of conflict and displacement.

It was only when Sarah heard about the Protection Center near the displacement camps she lives in, a safe space for women and girls run by World Vision Syria Response Partner, Shafak Organization, that her dream began to seem attainable once more. The centre offered hairdressing training, the very first step toward realizing her long-lost ambition. With renewed hope, Sarah enrolled in the program, eager to learn and determined to succeed.

But life did not make it easy for her. As she began her training, Sarah was also grappling with the severe illness of her youngest daughter, who had been hospitalized for months. The toll of caring for a sick child, attending training, and looking after her other two children was immense. It drained her both physically and emotionally. When her daughter passed away, the grief was nearly unbearable, threatening to extinguish the hope that had begun to grow within her.

Yet, the Center became more than just a place for training; it was a lifeline. The psychological support and life skills sessions offered at the center helped Sarah regain her footing. Surrounded by other women who understood her pain and by facilitators who encouraged her, she began to rebuild her sense of self. The sessions taught her not only how to cut and style hair, but also how to communicate, manage her time, and plan for her future. Slowly, she started to believe in her own strength again. 

The benefits of the centre extended beyond Sarah herself. Her children, who had initially been withdrawn and struggling to adapt to life in the camp, began to flourish after attending the centre’s child-friendly space. The activities and psychosocial support sessions helped them to play, make friends, and become more engaged in their new environment. The change in their behaviour was profound, and Sarah was relieved to see them happy and thriving despite the difficult conditions they were living in.

Sarah’s husband also found solace and strength through the centre's awareness sessions, which provided him with tools to better support his family during these challenging times. Together, they began to navigate their new reality with a sense of purpose and unity that had previously been difficult to maintain.

Sarah during the training.World Vision Syria Response Partner, Shafak Organisation.

Having completed her hairdressing training, Sarah now stands at the edge of a new beginning. She dreams of opening her own salon, where she can use her skills to provide for her family and perhaps even inspire other women in the camp. Her story is one of courage and transformation, showing that even in the most desperate situations, hope can take root and grow.

Sarah’s journey is far from over, but she moves forward with the knowledge that she has the strength to overcome whatever comes next. Her experiences at the Center have not only given her a new profession but have also instilled in her a deep sense of self-worth and confidence. She now envisions a future where she can create a stable and happy life for her children, a future where she can stand as a beacon of hope for others who face similar struggles.

In the end, Sarah’s story is more than just a narrative of survival; it is a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity to heal, rebuild, and thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. Through her determination and the support she received, Sarah has transformed her life along with 30565 other women also enrolled in the same project thanks to funding from IrishAid.

Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that with hope, community, and perseverance, anything is possible.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.