#Education Cannot Wait #Syria #UNICEF #Nizar #Al-Safira

Nizar's Journey: A Story of Resilience in Al-Safira

In the peaceful rural city of Al-Safira, Syria, the life of young Nizar took a heartbreaking turn. At just five years old, he was playing with his siblings when a stray bullet changed everything, striking him in the head. The injury caused severe fractures to his skull, leading to hemiplegia, which has since affected the mobility of his right leg and impaired his speech.

This moment was not only physically damaging but also marked the beginning of profound challenges for Nizar, impacting his mental health significantly. As he grew, the trauma of his injury made him retreat into isolation. School, which should have been a sanctuary, turned into a source of pain as Nizar faced bullying stemming from his physical condition. He felt alone in a crowd, unable to escape the memories of that terrible day.

However, Nizar's life took a different turn when he enrolled in a local learning center supported by UNICEF, supplemented with catch-up classes aimed at helping children close educational gaps. This became a turning point for the now fifteen-year-old. Funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) along with other international contributors, UNICEF has been instrumental in reaching the most vulnerable Syrian children in need of educational support.

Nizar's family, originally from the Aleppo countryside, had long faced the turmoil of displacement and escalating violence, all while managing their son's severe injury. With mobility issues, Nizar also developed an intense fear of loud noises, such as gunfire, which further isolated him. “Other students teased me for walking like a robot. I didn’t want to leave the house,” Nizar recalled.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, Nizar's mother recognized her son’s potential. Believing in his intelligence and resilience despite his challenges, she made a remarkable decision—she enrolled in ninth grade alongside him to provide support. “I told him that his sharp mind is more noticeable than his handicap,” she stated. “Nizar’s education is my top priority; I won’t let him drop out of school.”

Nizar’s journey through education, however, was fraught with obstacles. His traumatic brain injury often led to hospitalizations, which caused significant interruptions in his academic pursuits. The risk of falling behind loomed large. “His educational gap grew quickly. Nizar needed extra support to achieve his goals and continue learning,” his mother lamented.

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared. A neighbor informed Nizar's mother about a nearby UNICEF-supported learning center, a safe haven for children who had missed school due to circumstances beyond their control. Without hesitation, she enrolled Nizar and his two sisters, determined to provide her children a fresh opportunity for an education. The impact of this center on Nizar’s life has been transformative.

At the learning center, Nizar encountered a supportive environment for the first time. With a dedicated teacher and classmates who treated him kindly, along with a curriculum tailored to help him catch up, his life began to change. “Here, I feel understood! Everyone is kind to me. The teacher is great, and my classmates support me a lot,” Nizar expressed with a newfound enthusiasm.

Since 2017, ECW has provided crucial funding to support children affected by crises in Syria. In 2024, ECW strengthened its multi-year resilience program in the country with a $20 million grant aimed at ensuring continuous and quality education in challenging environments. The program delivers various holistic support initiatives, including mental health and psychosocial assistance, while establishing safe learning spaces to protect children from violence and meet their diverse needs.

Today, Nizar eagerly anticipates each school day. “Thinking about the impact of my education energizes me, and I forget about my injury. I have big dreams for my future.” With the opportunities and encouragement he has received, Nizar has made tremendous academic progress and is preparing for the national examination.

Nizar's journey of resilience highlights the tangible effect that quality education and holistic support can have on a child's life. “Later, I want to become a doctor,” he shared. “I’ve seen how important doctors are, and I want to do the same.” Nizar's story is a testament to the transformative power of education, not just in overcoming adversity, but in fostering hope for brighter tomorrows.