Small push, a big change: Youssef’s* story

In 2019, after years of the horrifying conflict in Syria, Youssef*arrived in Türkiye with his wife and five children, finally seeking safety. Leaving his hometown in Syria wasn’t easy, but staying under the relentless conditions of conflict was not an option. Like countless other Syrians, Youssef and his family endured extraordinary hardships; fleeing to Lebanon, returning briefly to Syria, and then embarking on an uncertain journey to Türkiye.

Describing what millions of Syrian refugees have experienced, 54 year old Youssef shares, “with every move we made to escape the agony of war, we left behind memories and pieces of our lives in Syria. I still see the fear in my children’s eyes. They haven’t lived under a safe roof for long enough to feel secure. Life has been constantly disrupted. School became a distant memory, and their laughter was often silenced by anxiety.”

Despite their best efforts to rebuild their lives in Türkiye, Youssef and his family continued to face daunting challenges. Unstable income and inadequate shelter weighed heavily on their shoulders. Youssef, dealing with fragile health, took on only light work, while his wife did everything she could to financially support the family. One of their greatest worries, however, was their children’s lack of access to education as the family struggled to pay the school fees and were unable to purchase school supplies.

That changed when Youssef came across World Vision Syria Response and its partner Pikolo team on the ground in Şanlıurfa. Intrigued by their education and psychosocial support project, he took the initiative to learn more, and soon his children became active participant.

Yousef’s children began participating in psychosocial support (PSS) activities at the Social Support Center in Şanlıurfa, where they gradually rediscovered their sense of safety and joy. Alongside this, awareness-raising sessions were held for Youssef and his wife to better understand the importance of education and mental well-being and why it should always be a priority.

“When we started the project, we asked ourselves how we could help these broken communities stand up again,” says Gönül Doğru, Project Manager at World Vision Syria Response. “Supporting families like Youssef’s were at the heart of our priorities. As we navigated the challenges, our goal was clear; to ignite hope where it started to fade.” But the support didn’t stop there.

To help ease their economic burdens and allow the children to focus on learning rather than labor, the family received food card distributions twice, ensuring they had access to basic necessities during their recovery journey.

This holistic support has made a lasting impact. Today, Youssef’s children are back in school. Their attendance is no longer hindered by shame or lack of supplies. They are learning, growing, and healing. “Every day in the classroom is a step toward a future where my children can dream without limits, free from the weight of our past,” Youssef says.

The project has helped more than 1,000 children like Youssef’s son Vail return to school, proving that even modest interventions can create ripples of transformation. Over 235 caregivers have participated in sessions designed to raise awareness, offer guidance, and connect them with further support.

Yet, as Youssef’s children move forward, millions of others remain out of school, caught in the cycle of displacement and poverty. The fight for education and against child labor is not just a fight for the affected; it’s a collective responsibility. Every child in school is a promise of a more resilient, compassionate future. Because sometimes, all it takes is a small push to change everything.