I was born and raised in the vibrant city of Aleppo, Syria—once a shining gem of the region. Aleppo, one of the oldest inhabited cities globally, was renowned as the “Jewel of Syria.” Its historic center was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and before the upheaval of 2011, the city thrived with a flourishing cultural and artistic community.
Growing up in this enchanting Aleppo, I was nurtured by my mother, a single anesthesiologist who tirelessly worked in multiple hospitals to provide for my brother and me. Childhood in Syria was once filled with joy and a sense of security.
I fondly recall the public park just a five-minute stroll from our home, where my mother would take us to play. One of my greatest delights was collecting white jasmine flowers to weave into crowns. I can still picture myself lounging in the sun alongside my brother, eyes closed, listening to the gentle trickle of the fountain—an idyllic memory of a carefree time.
My childhood was enriched by the stories of my grandparents. My grandmother often recounted tales of past conflicts in Lebanon; she was a refugee who had fled to Syria. My grandfather had also sought refuge from Turkey. Through their stories, Syria emerged as a sanctuary for those in search of safety.
As a child, I believed my homeland was secure, welcoming, and a refuge for many. Syria was a safe haven, a home for countless individuals seeking solace.
The Harsh Reality for Today’s Children
Today, however, children in Aleppo inhabit a mere 20% of the city I once knew. They are unaware of the vibrant city that existed around the citadel. I would spend hours there with my grandmother, who shared memories of her earlier life in Aleppo before its expansion. I can still see her weathered hands helping me try on silver necklaces crafted by artisans of the old city.
Now, 80% of Aleppo lies in ruins. Today’s children only glimpse the city through faded photographs or family tales. Unlike my childhood, when war was merely a story shared by relatives, these children live amidst destruction, hearing about a once-thriving place from those of my generation.
The Burden of Adulthood on Young Shoulders
During my time with SOS Children’s Villages Syria, I witnessed the heartbreaking reality of displaced families. We visited areas where people fled from bombardments, often escaping with nothing but the clothes they wore. They needed everything—shelter, food, water, and hygiene products. Tragically, many children have stopped attending school, forced into adult roles to help support their families through inappropriate jobs.
I met kids who were playing outside when suddenly they experienced bomb blasts, awakening in hospitals, unsure if their parents survived. Imagine the fear of waking up in the street after such trauma, stripped of the innocence of childhood. These children, barely ten years old, are now tasked with finding food and shelter on their own, confronting dangers that no child should ever face, including the risk of exploitation or violence.
Rediscovering Innocence
When I first interacted with children at the SOS Interim Care Center in Aleppo or Damascus, I often felt they carried the weight of the world on their shoulders—like 40-year-olds trapped in young bodies. My colleagues and I worked hard to encourage them to reclaim their childhoods, reminding them that their primary focus should be on learning, playing, and growing—activities that should come naturally to them.
In our efforts at SOS, we prioritized addressing immediate needs—providing food, water, shelter, and medical care. However, we also recognized the deep psychological scars these children bear. They need guidance and support to process their experiences and find hope in their futures. At SOS Child-Friendly Spaces, trauma specialists help these children regain their childhood through play, education, and friendship.
When children are safe and their basic needs are met, they have the opportunity to heal and rediscover the joys of being a child once more.
If you want to help, consider supporting children in Syria and giving them a chance at a brighter future. You can sponsor a child today.
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Summary: The article reflects on the stark contrast between childhoods in Syria before and after the war. While the author shares cherished memories of a vibrant Aleppo, today’s children face devastation and loss. The narrative emphasizes the urgent need to support these children in reclaiming their childhood and healing from trauma.
Keyphrase: Lost Childhood of Syrian Children
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