I was born and raised in the historic city of Aleppo, Syria, which, believe it or not, was once a vibrant metropolis. Aleppo, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, was often referred to as the “pearl of Syria.” Its central district was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and prior to the outbreak of the revolution in 2011, the city boasted a flourishing arts and cultural scene.
Raised by my mother, a dedicated anesthesiologist and single parent, I recall how she juggled responsibilities in two, sometimes three, hospitals to provide for my brother and me. My childhood in Syria was filled with joy and security.
I have vivid memories of the public park located just a five-minute walk from our home, where my mother would often take us to play. I delighted in picking white jasmines to craft flower crowns. I still cherish the memory of lying in the sun with my brother, eyes closed, listening to the gentle splash of the water fountain. This slice of my past embodies a time of peace and innocence.
Growing up, I was captivated by the stories my grandparents shared. My grandmother, a refugee from Lebanon, recounted tales from past conflicts, while my grandfather had fled from Turkey. In their narratives, Syria emerged as a sanctuary, a place of refuge and safety.
As a child, I believed my country was a haven. It was a welcoming land, where safety reigned, and many found solace.
The Harsh Reality of Today’s Aleppo
In stark contrast, the children of Aleppo today inhabit a mere 20% of the city I once knew. They are unaware of the rich history that surrounded the citadel. I spent countless hours with my grandmother, who showed me her childhood home before the city’s expansion. I can still picture her weathered hands guiding me as I tried on silver necklaces crafted exclusively by artisans in the old city.
Today, however, 80% of Aleppo lies in ruins. The children of this generation know their city only through faded photographs or the fragmented stories of their parents. While I grew up in a flourishing city, these children are surrounded by destruction, hearing accounts of a vibrant place from those who once called it home.
The Burden of Adulthood on Young Shoulders
During my time volunteering with a humanitarian organization, I witnessed the plight of families displaced by violence. We often visited areas ravaged by bombings, where people fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They faced dire shortages of shelter, food, water, and hygiene supplies. Many children, once innocent, found themselves thrust into adult responsibilities, working to support their families in ways no child should have to.
I encountered children who went from playing outside to waking up in a hospital after an explosion. They emerged disoriented, unsure if their parents had survived. Picture waking up on the street after a night of playing, stripped of the comforts of home.
In the streets, these young ones live a life burdened by adult responsibilities. At just ten years old, they are forced to find ways to earn money for basic necessities—tasks that should never be a child’s concern. This drastic shift exposes them to countless dangers, including exploitation and violence.
The Child Within a 40-Year-Old
When I first engaged with the children at the SOS Interim Care Center in Aleppo or Damascus, I often found myself speaking to souls far older than their years. It was essential for my colleagues and me to help them reconnect with their childhood. We reassured them that they should not be preoccupied with survival; instead, they should concentrate on their education, play, and personal development. In those moments, it felt as if I were conversing with someone who had lived for decades, rather than a mere child.
Reclaiming Innocence
Through our efforts at SOS, we prioritized meeting children’s immediate needs—food, shelter, medical care—while also addressing their deep-seated psychological trauma. Grieving the loss of a mother, witnessing horrific violence, or discovering a lifeless body: these experiences are too heavy for a child to bear alone. They require support, counseling, and the assurance that life can improve.
At the SOS Child-Friendly Spaces, trained trauma counselors assist these children in rediscovering their youth through play, education, and friendships. When children feel safe and have their basic needs met, they are given the opportunity to heal and reclaim their childhood.
By offering hope to the children of Syria, we can change their futures. Consider sponsoring a child today to make a meaningful difference.
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Summary
The contrast between childhood in Aleppo before the war and the present-day experiences of its children is profound. Many young ones now bear the weight of adult responsibilities, robbed of their innocence due to conflict. Organizations like SOS are vital in providing the necessary support to help these children rediscover their childhood, addressing both their physical needs and psychological trauma.
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