Omar’s Journey from Eastern Aleppo

8-year-old Omar* grew up in eastern Aleppo. He and his family were forced to leave their home in 2016 as the conflict intensified. In order to leave the besieged area safely, they had to pay a large sum of money to armed groups to secure safe passage.

Destruction in Aleppo

It was a traumatic journey with terrible weather. It was so cold that Omar and his brother lit a fire to keep warm. An accident occurred while tending to the fire and Omar suffered severe burns. There were no opportunities for medical attention, and the family had to continue with their journey for three more days. On arrival to a safer area in Aleppo, Omar and his family met with the team from SOS Children’s Villages Syria.

The medical team with SOS Children’s Villages treated Omar’s leg and arranged for him to return twice a week to have his bandages changed. The medical team took Omar to the SOS Child Friendly Space (CFS) set up outside the city, at a shelter for displaced families.

Omar’s mother explained to the staff that Omar had been suffering throughout the conflict.

“He does not play with other children, and he only talks when it is necessary and only to his brothers. Please help him to recover again.”  

Children playing at the Child Friendly Space outside Aleppo. Photo courtesy of SOS Syria staff

After a number of visits to the CFS and engaging with the other children in a number of activities, Omar began to relax and started playing like any eight-year-old.  While attending the CFS, Omar also received ten sessions of emotional and social support therapy, allowing him to talk about what he had experienced in eastern Aleppo to help him to begin to recover. He also returned to school, after a year without education.

“When I saw Omar wearing his school uniform and going to school in the morning, I couldn’t stop my tears, I was so happy, I felt like he is back to his normal life again he is gaining his childhood”, his mother said. 

Omar’s leg is getting better and his school marks are good. Still, the young boy is still recovering. He misses his old home and his friends in his old neighbourhood.

Canadian's wishing to help SOS provide care for children impacted by emergencies and disasters are encouraged to make a donation to the SOS MAYDAY Emergency Fund.

*The child’s name was changed to protect his privacy.