Laith, 12, Syria
“I’m looking forward to the moment when we finish rehabilitating this park,” says Laith, 12. “I picture myself swinging high and playing here with my friends every day after school.”
Ten years into the conflict, Laith and his friends have been deprived of a safe space to play. The only park in their area was damaged, looted and potentially contaminated with unexploded remnants of war.
“For years, we have had to play in the streets or in unsafe areas,” says Laith.
After attending a UNICEF child-friendly space, Laith and his friends decided to take matters into their own hands. At the centre, children are encouraged to form clubs and committees. This time, the children decided to rehabilitate this public park.
With Laith leading the charge and working with the local council and community, the park was cleaned, its swings and slides repaired, and new seedlings planted.
How can you help the children of Syria?
Join our #CookForSYRIA challenge this month and serve up a Syrian-inspired feast for your family and friends. It's easy!
- Set up your fundraising page.
- Invite your family and friends to a lunch or dinner this March.
- Serve up a Syrian-inspired feast. You can adapt your favourite dishes, whip up something super simple or practice some fancy new skills – it’s completely up to you!
- Ask your friends to donate what they would have spent on a meal out to support Syrian children in crisis.