#Education Cannot Wait #Syria #UNICEF Learning Centre

Nizar's New Beginning

In the serene yet troubled rural city of Al-Safira, Syria, a young boy named Nizar faced an unimaginable challenge. At just five years old, his life was forever altered when he was struck by a bullet, leaving him with hemiplegia, a condition that severely affects movement on one side of his body and hinders his ability to speak clearly. What should have been a time filled with play and laughter turned into a painful ordeal. This misfortune not only left him with physical scars but also deeply influenced his mental health, pushing him into a state of isolation.

As a child, Nizar enjoyed playing with his siblings, but after his injury, the world became a daunting place. School, which should have been a haven, turned out to be an environment rife with bullying due to his disability. He often felt alone and marginalized, preferring the safety of his home over the harsh realities of school life where taunts from peers highlighted his struggles.

Fortunately, a turning point came when he enrolled in a UNICEF-supported learning centre, which is part of the initiative Education Cannot Wait (ECW). This program has been pivotal in helping children affected by crises regain their footing in education. With support from ECW, UNICEF in Syria is able to support children like Nizar, who have faced setbacks in their education due to damaging circumstances.

Nizar’s family, who had already been grappling with the hardships of displacement and conflict, found this opportunity to be a beacon of hope. His mother, a steadfast advocate for her son's education, recognized Nizar's potential beyond his limitations. Her unwavering faith inspired her to enroll in ninth grade alongside him, creating a unique dynamic of solidarity. “His bright mind is more visible than his disability,” she often asserted, making it clear that she would not let societal challenges deter her son from his education.

Despite the support from his family, Nizar’s journey was fraught with obstacles. Hospitalizations resulting from his injury further widened the gap in his education, igniting fears of falling behind. “His education gap became huge. Nizar needed additional support to achieve his goal and keep learning,” she lamented. The local community, although nurturing, could not always furnish the resources necessary for Nizar's unique needs until the fortuitous discovery of a nearby UNICEF-supported learning centre.

At this centre, Nizar found a nurturing and welcoming environment for the first time. With a dedicated teacher and empathetic classmates, he began to flourish. “I am heard here! Everyone is nice to me. The teacher is amazing, and my classmates are very supportive,” Nizar expressed, a smile breaking across his face as he spoke. The tailored curriculum, designed to bridge learning gaps, was just what he needed to reclaim his educational path.

With the financial backing from major philanthropists and educational donors, ECW expanded its services in Syria, notably increasing its funding to a staggering $20 million in 2024, allowing for the continuation of programs that provide both essential academic instruction and psychosocial support. They aim to create safe learning spaces, specifically designed to shield children like Nizar from both physical and emotional harm.

Today, as the sun rises, Nizar's anticipation for school grows stronger each day. “When I focus on the power of my education, I feel excited and forget about my injury. I picture big dreams for myself,” he shares, reflecting a newfound hope for the future. Determined to not only overcome his past but to shine brightly in the future, Nizar is preparing for his national exam, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his journey.

His aspirations have transformed as well. “I want to become a doctor in the future,