Shaikha Jawaher hears out Syrian women in camps

The consultations gathered feedback on how the refugees’ living conditions can be improved through better shelters, sanitation and medical access. Education took centre stage, as Shaikha Jawaher was particularly keen to find out how many more schools, teachers and books were needed.

The visit comes soon after the launch of the education phase of the Big Heart Campaign, as the focus shifts from short-term humanitarian needs like food to long-term needs like education and empowerment.

Speaking just after meeting refugee students, mothers and teachers at a school in Zaatri, Shaikha Jawaher explained the importance of the trip, saying: “The most important thing is not what we tell refugees, but what they tell us. Nobody understands the crisis better than them because to them it’s not just a news headline or statistic, it’s their everyday life. I had a heart-to-heart talk about the women’s hopes and fears, and I asked the children about their career dreams. But I have realised that it’s impossible for children to concentrate in school if they are hungry, ill, cold or traumatised. So by improving their home life we will also improve their school life. I have been greatly touched by the brave women I have met, who sacrifice everything because they want their children to be judged not by their refugee status, but by their achievements in life.”

The efforts of Shaikha Jawaher and the UNHCR have helped to bring several diplomats and leaders on visits to Syrian refugee camps across the region. 9.5 million Syrians have fled their homes and 2.5 million of these have been registered as refugees by the UNHCR across the region. Tragically, over 150,000 have lost their lives since March 2011, and the death toll is set to rise following renewed air strikes.

Donors can send funds through ‘Salam Ya Seghar’, endorsed by Shaikha Jawaher.