Education Versus Lost Generation!

Mahmoud, a nine-year-old boy, began a new life in Gaziantep after being forced to leave Aleppo with his family due to the civil war in Syria. For him, school was not only a place of learning, but also the first step toward feeling safe again and holding on to hope for the future. However, a new language, a new environment, and the challenges of adaptation initially made this step difficult. Although Mahmoud was enrolled in primary school, he felt lonely in the classroom and struggled to communicate with his peers. He attended school, yet he did not feel that he truly belonged. This situation gradually became a source of concern for both his family and his teachers.

In 2022, the Gaziantep Office of the Association for Social Development and Aid Mobilization (ASAM), in collaboration with the school administration and the guidance counselor, initiated a tailored support process to address Mahmoud’s specific needs. Psychological support was provided, regular communication was maintained with his teachers, and efforts were made to ensure that the school environment became a safer and more inclusive space for Mahmoud. This process not only supported Mahmoud but also strengthened his family; they were informed about the education system and school procedures, enabling Mahmoud’s learning journey to be supported at home as well.

Today, Mahmoud regularly attends third grade; he is successful in his lessons, able to play with his friends, actively takes part in classroom activities, and fully adapted to school. This story has become a striking example of how every contribution made to education can create a concrete and hopeful change in a child’s life.

(Note: The real name of the beneficiary has been changed.)