Adil (8) From Syria Dares to Dream Again

Living in Beirut

Every morning Adil is woken by his mother gently shaking him. "I jump out of bed, wash my face and brush my teeth”, he says. “I eat breakfast and when my mother is in the kitchen, I help. I also play with my little sister Masa." Adil lives with his parents, two sisters and with his friend Mohammad and his family. Adil: "Our house is actually too small for all of us, but I don't mind because I like to play with Mohammad and I feel safe at home."

Danger lurking

Outside is a different story. "In general, life in Beirut is not safe for us”, says Adil’s mother. “I can't go out alone and my children can't be home alone. Sometimes Adil says he wants to play outside, just like other children. I say no, because he is too small and it’s dangerous outside. It is safe at home and at War Child’s Safe Spaces, but not outside. We have escaped the danger in Syria, but still have not found real safety in Lebanon."

Rock Paper Scissors

On weekdays, Adil goes to War Child’s safe space near his home, which has just recently opened. "We are now going to the new centre with a white bus. I play and draw with my friends there. My favourite games are 'rock, paper, scissors and 'Simon Says'. You have to pay close attention during ‘Simon Says.’ Only do the action if the teacher says ‘Simon says’, otherwise you’re out. I win often, even against Mohammad. Sometimes he wins, but it’s usually me!"

Leap forward

Adil's teacher, our War Child colleague Mariné Mankouchian, talks about the activities she does with Adil and the other students: "Role play helps children to talk about feelings such as sadness, fear and anger. You can tell that the children really benefit from our sessions. They are eager to discover new things. In addition to reading, maths and English, we teach children how to deal with their emotions, how to be safe and the best way to ask for help. They are progressing in leaps and bounds."

Adil's mother adds: "My son always talks enthusiastically about what he has done at the War Child Safe Space. He really enjoys it. It is also very nice that he can use up his energy there, because that is not always possible at home."

Adil does not sleep alone

When the sun goes down it's time for Adil to go to bed. Before he crawls under the covers, he first plays with his favourite cuddly toy. "His name is Panda. I like pandas because they climb trees and live in the mountains. I used to have nightmares about monsters chasing me. I would wake up and it took me a while to realise I was safe. With Panda next to me in bed, I feel less afraid and not alone.” Thanks to the support he’s received and a few things he’s learnt along the way, it’s official” Adil is daring to dream again.