Learning Against the Odds: Lynn’s Story
Lynn receives a monthly National Disability Allowance (NDA), helping her family meet her specific needs, while she continues online learning and holds on to her dream of becoming a doctor
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At just 13 years old, Lynn, a girl with Down syndrome, has already experienced what no child should have to. Displaced with her parents and siblings and now living in a collective shelter set up in a school, her life has changed in ways she is still trying to understand.
When they fled, Lynn held tightly onto one thing she refused to leave behind — her cat.
To her, it is not just a pet. It is a family member. A source of comfort in a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar. She cares for it deeply, finding in it a sense of calm amid the chaos.
“Our routine changed when we came here,” her mother, Zaynab, explains. “Everything changed for us.”
Before the war, Lynn had her own space. She slept in her own bed, surrounded by her toys and the small personal belongings that made her feel safe. All of that is now gone — left behind when the family had to leave in a hurry.
Today, Lynn wakes up in a shared classroom that has become her temporary home. Despite the disruption, she continues her education through online learning, attending classes for two to three hours each day.
Family remains at the center of Lynn’s world. She shares a special bond with her sister, Israa, whom she deeply admires. Every day, she watches Israa leave for university, inspired by her dedication and determination.
“She wants to be like her sister,” Zaynab says. “She looks up to her so much.”
Lynn’s dream reflects that admiration.
“I want to study, succeed, and become a doctor,” she says with quiet determination.
Her dream remains unchanged. Her mother holds onto that hope-that one day, Lynn’s ambition will not just remain words but become a reality she can proudly live.
Lynn receives a monthly National Disability Allowance (NDA), helping her family meet her specific needs. This support helps cover Lynn’s basic needs and is one more step toward enabling her to continue learning, even in the most difficult times.
With financing from the Government of Lebanon, European Union, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and other donors, the National Disability Allowance, implemented by the Ministry of Social Affairs in partnership with UNICEF and ILO, provides direct income support to people with disabilities in Lebanon.
