John, ahead of World Children’s Day on Wednesday, we’re sharing inspirational stories from children around the world. We hope you’ll take a moment to meet Suha* and learn more about the barriers she’s overcome to get an education.
At age 12, Suha – an Iraqi girl growing up in a displacement camp in Northwest Syria – studies hard, plays with friends and dreams of becoming an architect. It took a long time for her to get to this point.
When she was 7, Suha lost her mother and little sister when a rocket hit their house. Her father was arrested and sent to prison as her family fled the turmoil. She hasn’t seen him since. Now, Suha's grandparents and aunt are raising her and her five siblings.
For five years, the children lived in isolation. Their grandfather didn’t allow them outside their tent because he believed girls should be kept indoors.
Eventually, someone referred them to Save the Children’s case management department in the camp, and they intervened. Through safe family sessions, awareness-raising sessions on gender-based violence, child rights sessions and more, our teams advocate for children like Suha.
After a parenting without violence session, their grandfather agreed to let Suha and her siblings attend school at Save the Children’s Temporary Learning Space. They were overjoyed.
“That night, my siblings and I couldn’t wait for the morning. We were so happy and excited. The next day, we held each other’s hand and walked toward the school. When entering the gate, I felt as if I was stepping into a new world,” she says.
Your support powers our work for children, like Suha, in Syria and all over the world. Every child has a right to an education, and together, we can make sure every child gets one.
