Children of Syria Appeal launch
Today we've launched an appeal to help the children of Syria.
We've all seen the news stories and seen the horrific images of the violent conflict that is tearing the country apart. Over 10,000 people are estimated to have died since the violence began over a year ago. Included in this figure are more than 1,000 children. Some have been indiscriminately killed by the shelling, but there are increasing reports that children have also been deliberately targeted and murdered.
Humanitarian aid agencies are yet to be allowed into the country, and the UN peace plan as it stands is not working.
War Child staff on the ground in Lebanon – where many of the refugees from Syria have fled - are setting up projects to help children and families crossing the border but we need help to do this.
Our projects on the Lebanese border are less than 50 miles from Homs and Houla. Many families who were besieged in their homes by the shelling and snipers have escaped into Lebanon.
Most fled with little more than the clothes on their backs and now find themselves needing to pay for their rent and food.
It’s a bewildering and scary time for many of the children. They really need a routine and a sense of normality. Spending time with each other in a safe, nurturing environment is a great way for children to cope with the stress and upheaval that’s going on all around them.
What we'll be doing:
Creating safe, child-friendly environments
War Child will be supporting children in five separate nurseries in northern Lebanon. Trained counsellors will use art and music therapy as a means of helping the young children express their emotions in a healthy way.
Helping children to get back into school
War Child will also help children enrol into schools in Lebanon so they don’t miss out on their education. They’ll be providing catch-up lessons to help them follow the local curriculum.
Assisting them in their return home
Our commitment to these children is a long-term one. When it is safe enough for the children and their families to return to Syria, our projects will follow them back home and help them reintegrate back into their schools and communities.
You can support our appeal via text message
Text PROTECT to 70444 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 + standard message.
Alternatively you can make a donation online at www.warchild.org.uk/syria