Keeping hope alive

Can children trapped in a cycle of conflict and uncertainty - many of whom have seen and experienced so much pain, see a glimmer of hope? The conflict in Syria has caused huge instability in neighbouring Iraq, and around 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape the fighting. In a recent visit to the region, we spoke to some of the children who were hoping their lives would someday get back on track.

Anyone who meets Shahad, 16, will immediately notice how cheerful she is. The youngest of six siblings, she told us that leaving her birthplace in northern Iraq was one of the most difficult experiences of her life. “I want to become a doctor someday,” she says. “I want to save people affected by war.” Shahad claims her positive attitude is thanks to her Mum and Dad, who raised her and her siblings to be strong and never give up.

“When we left our home, together with my parents and grandparents, everyone was crying. We do not know if we will ever go back. But, we had to do it to save ourselves. We are thankful we are all safe and moving on. We should not lose hope. There is always hope.”

Unlike Shahad, 17-year-old Andraws is starting to lose hope. “War doesn’t end,” he says, sadly, noting how difficult life has been since he was uprooted to a different part of Iraq. But, when he focuses on the future instead of the present, his face lights up. He says he wants to become a football player. “I want to go back and build my dreams again,” he says, “I am hoping to have a normal life."

Andraws now has a message for people who are fortunate enough not to be in his position. “You have to appreciate what you have - having a normal life with your family in your own homes. We do not have that anymore." His father was a construction worker, his mother worked as a nurse. Today both of them are without work.

13-year-old Afram finds living in a makeshift shelter at a local church very difficult. Privacy is impossible and the cardboard boxes that serve as walls are worn-out and fading. For Afram, adjusting to the new school has been a challenge. “We miss our friends back in Mosul. We do not know where they are now,” Afram worries. In spite of his current circumstances, Afram still wants to be a doctor someday.

Maareb, 17, smiles shyly as she sits quietly in the corner with her older sister Mariam, 19. Around her, mattresses are stacked haphazardly while her aunt prepares a meal. For the last nine months, this eight-member family has called a tiny room their home, a stark contrast to the life her family once had. “We lived in a three-bedroom house with a nice kitchen and a big garden,” Maareb remebers sadly as she looks at the cramped space surrounding her.

She smiles briefly and changes the topic. “I want to be a teacher. The next generation should continue to know the importance of education." Her sister, Mariam, wants to travel and see other countries. They were both eager to share their stories because they are worried the world has forgotten about the children caught up in Syria's conflict. “People should not forget us,” Maareb says, hopefully.

Anwar, 9, was walking with a friend and holding an ice lolly when we met her. Her family fled Mosul and slept rough in city parks for several weeks until they found a space in a nearby camp. Unperturbed by her surroundings, Anwar is smiling. “I love reading. I want to be a reading teacher someday.” She waved goodbye and headed to play with her friends in their tarpaulin-covered tent. 

Anwar's father, Jarala, stayed with us a moment longer. His family is struggling to meet their day-to-day needs while he searches for a job. They are dependent on support from World Vision and other organizations, and Jarala is worried about how he is going to help Anwar acheive her dreams.

In Iraq we are responding to huge humanitarian needs as part of our Syria Crisis Appeal. The recent conflict has so far displaced more than 2.6 million people, and World Vision is helping more than 220,000 people with healthcare, food assistance, and child protection activities. During the winter, World Vision also helped an extra 2000 families stay warm by providing bedding, plastic sheeting, and vouchers.