Actor and UNICEF Ambassador Ahmed Helmy meets Syrian refugee children in Jordan

ZA’ATARI, Jordan, 28 November 2018 – Renowned actor and UNICEF Egypt Ambassador Ahmed Helmy visited Za’atari Refugee Camp today to see firsthand how UNICEF is helping to keep girls and boys safe, healthy, educated and full of hope for a better future.

During the visit, the multi-talented actor, writer and producer met children studying in one of the Ministry of Education schools in the camp. Over 19,000 children are supported by UNICEF to receive a quality education in Za’atari, including more than 1,000 boys and girls in Kindergarten and 700 children with disabilities.

Helmy also visited one of the UNICEF Makani Centres, child-friendly spaces that provide critical integrated learning, child protection and skills building to 5,000 children and youth in the camp. During the visit, he met children who are accessing opportunities to learn, play, innovate, and heal through musical therapy and psychosocial support.

“By ensuring every child can receive an education, healthcare, clean water and access to spaces where they feel protected and nurtured, UNICEF is giving vulnerable children hope for a better future, one where they can truly fulfil their potential,” said UNICEF Egypt Ambassador Ahmad Helmy.

“I am inspired by the strength of the children and youth I met today who, despite everything they have endured, are filled with hope for a brighter future.”

“We are very grateful to UNICEF Ambassador Ahmad Helmy for shining a spotlight on the needs of Syrian refugee and other vulnerable children in Jordan, as well as the urgent need to sustain international support for critical services including WASH, education and social protection,” said Robert Jenkins, Representative, UNICEF Jordan.

The UNICEF Egypt Ambassador was also briefed on how the provision of water at a household level in the camp has vastly improved the lives of refugee families who can live healthier, more dignified lives thanks to the new UNICEF water and wastewater treatment facility. The improved services are one example of how cost-effective and sustainable approaches have replaced the emergency response that started over six years ago when the camp first opened.

Ahmad Helmy, the Egyptian actor, writer, talent show judge and producer has supported UNICEF’s work for children since 2016 and is an Ambassador for UNICEF Egypt. He has supported campaigns on positive parenting, protecting children from all forms of violence and ending the suffering of children living in extreme poverty.