--- title: "Rebuilding lives and restoring hope in Syria" description: "Since the conflict in Syria erupted nine years ago, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has worked tirelessly to protect and assist the most vulnerable across the country and in neighbouring ones. We have delivered basic household items and tents in emergencies, repaired schools and homes and provided learning opportunities to out-of-school children and youth." url: "https://www.nrc.no/perspectives/2020/rebuilding-lives-and-restoring-hope-in-syria" language: "en" published: "2020-03-15T09:40:12Z" modified: "2020-03-15T09:40:12Z" --- Syria # Rebuilding lives and restoring hope in Syria Rebecca Crombleholme Published 15. Mar 2020 [Syria](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=108) [Syria crisis](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=164) [War and conflict](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=308) Our Child Education Programme in Transition in Aleppo provides many recreational activities. Plays, singing and dancing are implemented as part of the programme for the purpose of creating a fun routine for children and teachers. Photo: Tareq Mnadili/NRC This article was first published more than 6 years ago Since the conflict in Syria erupted nine years ago, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has worked tirelessly to protect and assist the most vulnerable across the country and in neighbouring ones. We have delivered basic household items and tents in emergencies, repaired schools and homes and provided learning opportunities to out-of-school children and youth. NRC is one of the few humanitarian organisations working across all of Syria. As the conflict has evolved, we have adapted our response to keep meeting the needs of the displaced and those hosting them. In this time, we have witnessed the strength and courage of Syrians first-hand as families support one another in displacement and try to reclaim hope for the future. Here are some of their stories. ![Despite the many obstacles, Reham is determined to complete her education so that she can become a doctor. Photo: Tareq Mnadili/NRC ](https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/images/countries/syria/2020/rebuilding-lives-and-restoring-hope-in-syria/riham-1.jpg) ### Reham - the future doctor “We had to leave everything behind. My father went missing and the area wasn’t safe anymore.” When the war broke out, Reham and her mother had to flee their home. Her mother was then diagnosed with cancer. Reham was forced to drop out of school and at age 19 gave birth to her first child, who suffers from a chronic disease. Reham is more determined than ever to complete her education. “I want to become a doctor so that I can treat my son and any child who suffers from illness,” she says. Reham, now 22, is continuing her studies through NRC’s self-learning programme for youth. Being a mother and a student at the same time is no easy task, but nothing can stop her fierce determination. “I wake every day at five in the morning to study and when I come back home, I care for my son,” she says. “I encourage and call upon every young girl who left her studies during the crisis to return to school, because she can make it!” [Your donation can make a difference in Syria](https://www.nrc.no/perspectives/2020/your-donation-can-make-a-difference-in-syria) Doaa hopes that in the future she can start her own sewing workshop. Photo: Tareq Mnadili /NRC ### Doaa – the sewing master “I love sewing and I wanted to master it in a professional way. In this programme, I’ve learned how to tailor clothes, dresses and pyjamas. Managing my own project has made me more confident in myself,” says Doaa, 22, from Eastern Ghouta, Syria. After three months in this programme, each successful participant is provided with a package of basic materials and tools that will enable them to start working independently. “In the future, I will start up my own workshop, using the machines provided by the Norwegian Refugee Council. I advise young men and women to learn a profession so they can be self-reliant in the future.” Fatima, a teacher in rural Damascus, says that the children of Syria give her hope. Photo: Tareq Mnadili /NRC ### Fatima – the inspiring teacher "The crisis in Syria has affected many children who have dropped out of school to support their families financially. Most of them have lost their fathers and been left with no choice but to abandon their education,” says Fatima, a teacher in rural Damascus, Syria. Creating welcoming schools is one of our major programmes in Syria. In 2019, we completed the rehabilitation of over 21 schools, equipped them as safe, conducive learning spaces for more than 38,000 children to return to learning. “The rehabilitation process made a remarkable change in the schools, not only architecturally but also on the lives of the children, who are now more encouraged to pursue their education in a child-friendly environment. I have hope! My hope relies on our next generation,” says Fatima. ![Mohamad is catching up with other young people his age through NRC’s self-learning programme. Photo: Tareq Mnadili /NRC ](https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/images/countries/syria/2020/rebuilding-lives-and-restoring-hope-in-syria/_dsc7020.jpg) ### Mohamed – the self-learner Mohamed, 16, had to drop out of school at the age of 14. After joining a self-learning programme supported by NRC last year, he’s been able to pass eighth grade and is preparing to sit his ninth grade exams. Mohamad is one of the many young people who have been able to participate in our self-learning programme in rural Damascus, thanks to our dedicated colleagues in Syria. ![Waem plans on using her baking skills to open up a cake shop one day. Photo: Tareq Mnadili/NRC ](https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/images/countries/syria/2020/rebuilding-lives-and-restoring-hope-in-syria/_dsc6406.jpg) ### Weam – the colourful cake creator "I have never worked before but throughout this programme I learned how to make cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other sweets,” says Weam, 24, a participant in NRC’s youth programme. These activities provide flexible pathways to learning and employment for young people who have not completed their basic education. Skills-building classes provide encouragement, comradery and opportunities for new livelihoods. “I am planning to have my own cake store one day.” \*\*\* Nine years on, Syrians have experienced so much loss, trauma and uncertainty. Nonetheless, many with whom we work continue to display hope, resilience and great strength. Syrians are much more than victims of a tragic conflict. They are nurses, teachers, grandparents, schoolchildren, business owners, husbands, wives. And they deserve protection and opportunities to rebuild their lives now and into the future. [Read more about our work in Syria](https://www.nrc.no/countries/middle-east/old-versions/syria2) Support our work for people forced to flee [Support us](https://www.nrc.no/make-a-difference-today)