In a crowded displacement camp in northern Syria, 12-year-old Huda lives with her large family, which includes her parents and nine siblings. Due to the challenging conditions, Huda was forced to leave school to find work and support her family’s survival. Her father has a disability that prevents him from working, so the responsibility of providing for the family has fallen heavily on Huda’s young shoulders, burdening her with tasks far beyond her years.
Challenges and Risks Facing Working Children in Syria
Huda’s daily work exposes her to various forms of exploitation, including harassment and psychological abuse, which leave lasting negative effects on her well-being. Her mother, with deep sadness, explains, “We have no choice but to send her to work so we can have food to eat, but she faces constant harassment and has been deprived of her right to education and a dignified childhood.”
“We have no choice but to send her to work so we can have food to eat, but she faces constant harassment and has been deprived of her right to education and a dignified childhood.”
In Syria, especially in displacement camps, child labor has become a harsh reality for many families living under desperate conditions. Children like Huda face multiple risks in their workplaces, including exploitation, physical dangers, and emotional trauma. These hardships contribute to a cycle of poverty, trapping children and their families in a life devoid of the fundamental right to education, safety, and personal development.
SRD’s Support for Huda and Protection Services
Seeking help, Huda and her mother reached out to the Syria Relief and Development (SRD) organization’s community center in Al-Bab, where they received essential support through the SRD Child Protection Program. SRD’s team assessed Huda’s situation and offered a range of services to meet her needs and help her regain a sense of normalcy. Some of the services provided included:
Comprehensive Medical Checkups: Huda received full medical examinations at the Al-Bab National Hospital to assess and address her physical health.
Psychological Support: She participated in both individual and group counseling sessions to help her cope with the psychological impact of her experiences.
Literacy Program: Huda was enrolled in a literacy program designed to reintegrate her into the education system.
School Reintegration: Efforts were made to bring her back into formal schooling, allowing her to resume her education.
Awareness Sessions for Her Mother: SRD organized awareness sessions to help her mother understand the risks of child labor and learn ways to better support her children.
Economic Stability Support: To reduce the family’s dependency on Huda’s income, SRD helped the family establish a small income-generating project.
Impact of SRD’s Support on Huda’s Life
The comprehensive care provided by SRD brought transformative changes to Huda’s life. After receiving healthcare and psychological support, her physical and mental health showed significant improvement. Huda returned to school, where she began learning to read and write, restoring her hope for a brighter future. Expressing gratitude, her mother said, “Our lives have changed for the better thanks to SRD’s support.”
“Our lives have changed for the better thanks to SRD’s support.”
SRD’s General Protection Project for Children in Syria
SRD’s general protection project in Syria is committed to safeguarding children and supporting families through a range of services, including case management, child protection, and combating gender-based violence. The project aims to create a safe and stable environment for children like Huda, allowing them to grow up with dignity and pursue their dreams despite the challenging circumstances they face.
By providing essential services, SRD strives to break the cycle of poverty and give displaced families in Syria a chance at stability and resilience. Huda’s story is a testament to the power of support and protection in restoring hope and empowering vulnerable children in Syria’s displacement camps.
