A second chance for Yahia

Syria | 2024 | CERF

Syria, Rural Damascus. After nearly 14 years of conflict, thousands of children in the Syrian Arab Republic have grown up in a reality marked by violence, displacement and hardship. This prolonged crisis has taken a devastating toll, leaving many with disabilities, psychological distress, limited access to protection and education services, and a heightened risk of social exclusion.

In Zabadin village in Rural Damascus, 13-year-old Yahia’s story is one of resilience and transformation. At the age of six, Yahia lost both legs when a shell exploded near his home. His mother, Douaa, recalls the painful aftermath: “He lost one leg instantly, and the other might have been saved if the hospital had been equipped. But we were under siege, with no access to basic medical supplies—not even threads to stitch his wound.”

The pain and trauma Yahia endured were both physical and emotional. He confessed that the bullying he faced due to his disability fuelled his anger, which ultimately led him to drop out of school after repeated complaints about his behaviour. “I always felt lonely and sad,” Yahia admitted. “But when I retaliated, I got into deep trouble.”

Yahia’s journey of resilience was made possible through UNICEF’s child protection programme, supported by CERF and other donors. In 2024, CERF allocated $3 million to UNICEF’s child protection and education interventions in the Syrian Arab Republic—helping to ensure that vulnerable children like Yahia receive psychosocial support, inclusive education and community-based care.

With the dedicated support of Kholoud, a UNICEF-supported child protection case manager, Yahia received individual counselling and the encouragement he needed to enrol in school again. He also joined extracurricular activities run by UNICEF’s mobile child protection team, helping him regain confidence and a sense of belonging.

Thanks to this support, Yahia was able to start fresh at an inclusive school rehabilitated by UNICEF, which is accessible to children with disabilities. “I can move around on my own now. There’s even a bathroom I can use without help!” he shared excitedly. With continued guidance from Kholoud and his teachers, he has made remarkable progress, both academically and socially.

CERF funding is a lifeline for children affected by conflict, providing timely life-saving support. By investing in protection and education, CERF helps create safe spaces where children like Yahia can heal, learn and reclaim their futures.

“Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow and dream,” said Kholoud. “It’s not just about academic success—it’s about restoring hope and dignity.”
Posted May 2025.
More information on the CERF's work in 2024
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