Another academic year has come to an end at our partner school run by SAWA in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. As the new school year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on everything the children have achieved over the past year.
We provided education for 82 children (55% girls) registered at the school, studying English, Arabic, Maths, Science, Music, Sports and Ethics. Alongside this, a wide range of fun and engaging activities gave them the chance to relax, discover new skills and build friendships.
SAWA for Development and Aid has been one of our long-standing partners. Founded to protect vulnerable people, it supports many Syrian refugees who fled to Lebanon during the war. In 2023, 44% of school-aged refugee children were not in education, largely excluded from Lebanese institutions. Together with SAWA, we are committed to changing this reality for as many young people as possible.
Thanks to the generous donations made to Action Syria, the school employs 12 dedicated staff members — 11 of whom are Syrian — who bring both skill and understanding to their roles
“My experience with SAWA has been amazing. […] We study arts and music, and we get to go out to the playground to play football. […] The teachers are wonderful, and I want to thank them for everything they do for us although sometimes we don’t stick to the classroom rules.” Mohammad, age 12.
The school recognises the importance of reading in a child’s development, as a result, every class has a library session each week. For Houda, this has been life changing. When she first joined the school, she was quiet and reserved — but over time she blossomed into a talented poet, enchanting her classmates with moving performances. Her teacher encouraged her development through reading and today her talent is recognised throughout the school.
The busy curriculum offers a range of fun and interactive activities including singing in English, competing in spelling bees, gardening in the school’s green spaces and playing football.
The students are even embracing the future, studying sustainability by creating model eco-houses, learning to code and even engineering their own robots! 12-year-old Saly became a tech-pioneer this year, leading her team to design an innovative line-following robot!
In March, the holy month of Ramadan brought more celebrations. Students decorated their classrooms, made lanterns and Ramadan sweets for their teachers, and performed songs together. These student-led activities encouraged teamwork, creativity and pride in their community.
“I feel free, grateful, and happy at SAWA. I also enjoy sharing the poems I write with my teachers, and they love hearing them” Houda, age 9.
Many of SAWA’s students have lived through trauma, whether during the war or in refugee camps. The school provides psychological support to help children process these experiences. For Yamen, this support has been transformative. When he first joined the school, he was crippled by shyness and unable to express himself. The protection team organised support sessions and worked to create a supportive environment for Yamen to come out of his shell. Now he has found the confidence to take on the role of Class Boss, becoming an inspiring leader and role model to all his classmates.
Practical support is also key. New students at SAWA are provided with all the stationary they need to ensure they can make the most of their educational experience. Action Syria’s funding also ensures safe transportation to and from school. 13-year-old Mohammad even reported that the bus journey is a highlight, where they can relax and talk with friends outside of class.
For girls going through puberty, additional sessions are given to help them understand changes to their bodies, while hygiene kits provide the essentials they need.
The amazing teachers are what makes the school such a special place. Most are Syrian themselves and know first-hand the challenges their students face. They take part in regular training sessions to help in their development as educators. Their salaries — covered by Action Syria — allow them to support their families while building professional skills for the future.
“life in the refugee camps was incredibly hard. I faced many challenges, from bullying to having to work. […] Fortunately school has always been a place where I can relax and be happy.” Mohammad, age 11.
One development this year has been several children returning to Syria because of the change in government there. While heart breaking to see them go, we are glad they can finally return home, and we hope their time with SAWA has set them up with the skills to help in their next steps.
In addition to continuing our work with SAWA, Action Syria is also beginning a new chapter, working with two new local partners in Syria: Abjad and MARS. Together we’re renovating two schools to give opportunities to hundreds more children.
Our commitment to our students goes beyond academics; we aim to provide them with a sense of stability and hope in these turbulent times. We want every child to have the chance to imagine a brighter future. Education is a pathway to recovery, and we will continue to stand by our students as they navigate these challenging situations.
You can read our full programme report for more detail on the impact of this work.
About the Author
Saami is a British Syrian writer with a BSc in politics and international relations from Bath University. He specialises in international security, Middle Eastern politics, and international migration. He has worked with charities in the UK, Greece, and Lebanon.
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