How a Syrian refugee has found hope and support through the work of Tearfund’s partner in Lebanon.
Leila is a mother of six who fled Syria after an explosion killed her neighbours. Her husband disappeared 12 years ago, and she doesn’t know what happened to him. Because he may still be alive, she hasn’t been issued a death certificate, which means she doesn’t qualify as a widow and can’t get support from many organisations.
Since arriving in Lebanon, she has faced many challenges. She and her children lived with her sister’s family in a single tent for about six months. The jobs she found paid very little. Her children needed education, food, medicine, and clothes. Leila was most worried about their education, but she couldn’t afford private school or the costs for transportation and materials of public school.
Tearfund Ireland’s local Christian partner has set up informal learning centres to provide an education for children.
“We have been so lucky because of this learning centre! We learnt about it when it was just beginning. Our children were among the first to enrol. At the centre, they offer a very good education. My children are always happy to go, and the school makes things easy for both the children and parents. We continue to encourage more parents to enrol their children in the school.”
In addition to the school, Leila and her family receive food parcels from the church. The community centre, where the school is located, also has a small medical clinic. Leila completed a six-month first aid training course, learning to help during life-threatening situations and treat burns and basic illnesses. This training has enabled her to assist many people in her camp.
“We ask everyone to pray for God to improve our situation. We sincerely thank those who have supported us with food and help for our children. We pray for them and hope that more people can also be helped.”
Leila and her children are one of the many families who have received much-needed support. There are thousands more in their situation. Our partners are continuing to run the learning centres and medical clinics, and churches are providing food parcels and hygiene kits.
Thanks to funds given to Bishops’ Appeal we have been able to support the work to help keep refugee children in education in Lebanon.
