It’s been close to two years since deadly earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, but our news cycle has very quickly moved on. Recovering from such a significant disaster hasn’t been quick or easy, especially in Syria where there is ongoing political unrest, a change in leadership, and economic hardship.
Sadly, those who are most at risk of harm in Syria today are children.
The Impact On Children And Young People
The UN reports that child labour and school dropout rates have increased in Syria, and the risk of child marriage and human trafficking are now higher due to economic instability.
Children and young people are also experiencing poor mental health. Since the earthquakes, many continue to be affected by the trauma of losing loved ones and seeing their homes destroyed, as well as being surrounded by ongoing turmoil. These children need ongoing support—not just for their physical needs, but for their mental and emotional distress.
Healing Through Child-Friendly Spaces
One way our Partners are caring for these vulnerable children and youth is through Child Friendly Spaces—a safe, and stimulating environment where children and youth can learn, play, connect with peers, and receive mental health support.
Through your generosity, our Partner has created Child Friendly Spaces in three affected areas across Syria.
These spaces are already providing support to children, but your generosity ensures this work can continue and even expand
These spaces are already providing support to children, but your generosity ensures this work can continue and even expand, like providing extra days to care for more at-risk children. All programs are run by trained staff members who are trusted in the local community, and equipped to provide care and refer children who need professional support.
Activities in these spaces include:
- Games, sports, free play and educational activities so children can learn and grow
- Music, drama, arts and crafts for children’s enjoyment and self-expression
- Child protection awareness sessions and awareness and feedback sessions with parents
- Structured therapeutic activities for children with special needs such as music therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy
- Skill sessions for young people such as managing emotions, conflict resolution, and healthy communication
- Individual sessions to help children overcome severe trauma.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, our Partner said these spaces ‘allow children and youth to feel safe, connect with other people their age who are going through similar experiences, and work towards overcoming their hurt and trauma caused by the war and hardships they and their families had to endure.’
For youth, it’s an opportunity to take initiative and build confidence. At one centre, young people took part in a recycling program, and created social media videos to highlight the beauty and historical significance of Syria to the world. They now plan to start a podcast where youth can discuss issues relevant to them, and help each other overcome hardships through the skills they’ve learned.
Please Pray
Along with your financial support, we deeply appreciate your prayers for families in Syria and for the safety of our Partners. Please pray that:
- Children and young people impacted by the earthquake would recover and learn skills to help them grow into healthy adults
- Families would continue to recover from the earthquakes, political unrest and economic crisis
- Safety for our Partners—that people providing humanitarian aid would be safe and strengthened for the task ahead.
It’s been such a blessing to witness stories of hope as God’s people around the world stand together to help communities recover. With further unrest in Syria, you might like to donate to our Middle East Humanitarian Response to ensure our Partner’s vital work continues. You can do so here.
May God continue to bring recovery to vulnerable families and children, as his people trust him with their ongoing needs.
Meredith Benson,
