As a child born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, I witnessed a city that was once a beacon of culture and history. Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was affectionately referred to as the “jewel of Syria.” Its historic downtown area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and prior to the onset of the revolution in 2011, it thrived with a vibrant arts scene.
My childhood was shaped by my experiences with my single mother, a dedicated anesthesiologist who juggled multiple jobs across hospitals to support my brother and me. Back then, childhood in Syria was filled with joy and a strong sense of safety.
I still cherish vivid memories of a public park just a short walk from our home, where my mother would often take us. One of my fondest activities was picking white jasmines to create flower crowns. I can almost feel the warmth of the sun as I lay there with my brother, listening to the soothing sounds of the water fountain. Those moments encapsulated a peaceful and carefree childhood.
Growing up, my grandparents shared stories of their pasts, often recounting their experiences as refugees. My grandmother fled from Lebanon, while my grandfather escaped from Turkey. In those tales, Syria represented safety and refuge, a sanctuary for those in need.
The Reality for Today’s Children
In stark contrast, children in Aleppo today inhabit only 20% of the city that I once knew. They have no memory of the vibrant urban life that once thrived around Aleppo’s ancient citadel. The destruction is profound, with 80% of Aleppo now in ruins. These children know the city only through faded photographs or the fragmented remnants of their parents’ memories. Unlike my childhood, where war was merely a story told by elders, their reality is defined by violence and loss.
During my time volunteering with SOS Children’s Villages Syria, I encountered families displaced from their homes, fleeing from relentless bombings and escalated conflicts. The scenes were heartbreaking; families often escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs, urgently needing food, shelter, and access to basic hygiene. Many children were forced into adult roles, working to support their families instead of attending school.
I met children who were playing outside when a bomb exploded, leaving them waking up alone in a hospital, unsure of their parents’ fate. Imagine the shock of going from innocent play to suddenly navigating the harsh streets alone. At just ten years old, these children are thrust into adult responsibilities, struggling to find food and shelter, facing dangers like exploitation and abuse.
The Burden of Adulthood on Childhood
Engaging with children at the SOS Interim Care Center in Aleppo or Damascus, I often felt as if I were speaking to adults trapped in young bodies. It was vital for my colleagues and I to help them reconnect with their childhood. We encouraged them to shift their focus from survival to education, play, and personal development. It was as if we were conversing with 40-year-olds, burdened with worries far beyond their years.
Rediscovering Innocence
Working with SOS, we prioritized addressing children’s immediate needs—food, water, shelter, and medical attention. However, the psychological scars—witnessing violence, losing family members—could not be overlooked. These children require support and counseling to process their trauma and to understand that life can improve. In our Child-Friendly Spaces, expert trauma counselors help them rediscover what it means to be a child through play, education, and social connections. When children feel safe and have their basic needs met, healing becomes possible.
You can help restore hope for children in Syria. Consider sponsoring a child today.
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Summary
The plight of Syrian children today starkly contrasts with the memories of joy and safety experienced by previous generations. As war ravages their lives, these children are forced into adult roles far too soon. Support initiatives like the SOS Children’s Villages can help address their immediate needs and contribute to their emotional healing, allowing them to reclaim their lost childhood.