Marwa always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but her life changed dramatically when her father lost his job due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The family were plunged into hardship and Marwa had to stop going to school, leaving her dreams shattered.
Every day, she watched her friends go to school and without the opportunity to learn she felt her hopes slipping away. She often asked herself "Why is this happening to me?" and began to believe her dream of becoming a doctor was gone forever.
Marwa and War Child
When War Child met Marwa and her family, we were able to provide the support she needed to get back to school, including cash assistance and school supplies. This was a turning point for Marwa.
At one of our new child-friendly spaces, Marwa found emotional support through fun activities and began to feel happy and confident again. A smile returned to her face, and her love for learning was rekindled. Her dream of becoming a doctor was back on track!
Marwa worked hard, becoming one of the top students in her class, proving determination can overcome even the toughest challenges and reminding us that, with the right support, dreams that seem lost can be revived.
Unlocking A Generation with UK Aid Match
With livelihoods destroyed after years of conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic, families in Yemen are having to make unimaginable choices to try and survive; choices which can put children at risk of exploitation and abuse.
Thanks to donations from the UK public, and match funding from the UK government through UK Aid Match, we have been able to keep children like Marwa in school and safe from the risks of child labour, early marriage and recruitment into armed groups:
- We have established child-friendly spaces in two schools. These welcoming spaces attract children who are at risk of dropping out and encourage them to attend all year round.
- By creating separate facilities for boys and girls, learning environments have been safer and faire, and enrolment has increased, particularly among girls.
Teachers have received Teaching in Crisis-Context and Psychosocial Support training, enabling them to better support students affected by conflict and enhancing the quality of education.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Unlock A Generation appeal, and to UK Aid Match.
With your support, War Child and our partners are increasing access to employment, education, and child protection, and local communities are being empowered to build long term resilience, so they can better protect their children, keep them in school and help them to fulfil their potential.
