Adolescents learn, play and build skills at UNICEF youth space in Rural Damascus
UNICEF fosters youth initiatives, offering safe spaces for adolescents to develop skills and connect
Jaramana, Rural Damascus - During the mid-term school break of the 2025–2026 academic year, a UNICEF-supported adolescent-friendly space in Jaramana organised a series of recreational and learning activities for adolescents, providing a safe environment where they could play, express themselves, and connect with peers.
UNICEF/UNI964124/Wissam Bashour
“The best way to teach children life skills is through games. We share ideas in a fun and engaging way that stays with them,”
Sandra, a life skills trainer
Over three days, around 60 adolescents aged 10 to 14 participated in a variety of structured activities designed to strengthen life skills, encourage teamwork, and support their psychosocial well-being. Through games, sports, and creative sessions, participants built confidence, enhance communication skills, and engage in positive social interaction.
UNICEF/UNI964112/Wissam Bashour
Nour, 11, Weam, 10, and Mayar, 13, participate in a game about dreams and challenges.
“I know there will be obstacles in achieving my dream, but I will overcome them all and become a famous doctor, healing patients,”
Weam, 10
UNICEF/UNI964114/Wissam Bashour
“Taking care of hair is my dream and passion. I want to become a famous hairdresser."
Rawaa, 12
The activities included group games, drawing sessions that encouraged creativity and self-expression, and table tennis training that helped improve focus, coordination, and cooperation in a supportive environment.
UNICEF/UNI964119/Wissam Bashour
Nour, 11 takes part in a drawing session.
“This school break has been fun and meaningful. I learned new things, played, and made new friends.”
Nour, 11
UNICEF/UNI964115/Wissam Bashour
I teach my younger brother what I learn in my drawing classes here. We draw together and hang our drawings on the walls. It makes our mother proud.”
Leen, 10
UNICEF/UNI964118/Wissam Bashour
Faisal, 12, plays table football with his friends.
“I love football. I enjoy every game related to it, and I always win.”
Faisal, 12
UNICEF/UNI964121/Wissam Bashour
“I enjoy watching the game and cheering for the girls’ team. I can’t wait for my turn to play.”
Asmaa, 12
Over the three days, the activities fostered joy, concentration, and active engagement, highlighting the importance of safe spaces where adolescents can learn new skills, build friendships and enjoy meaningful activities beyond the classroom.
UNICEF/UNI964111/Wissam Bashour
Shaza, 14, Aws, 13, and Taim, 13, practice table tennis.
“It’s my first time playing table tennis. The game requires a lot of focus, and I really enjoyed it,”
Aws, 13
UNICEF/UNI964110/Wissam Bashour
“I improved my skills in this game during the training, and I plan to develop them further. One day, I hope to play against a world-class table tennis player,”
Mayar, 11
UNICEF/UNI964123/Wissam Bashour
“This game is fun, and I want to keep playing it in the future.”
Taim, 13
UNICEF/UNI964120/Wissam Bashour
“I wish this holiday would never end and that these activities could continue forever!”
Nisreen, 12
This initiative is part of UNICEF’s wider efforts across Syria to support adolescents and youth. Between January 2025 and January 2026, UNICEF reached nearly 380,000 young people aged 10 to 24 across Syria through comprehensive skills development and vocational training initiatives delivered in 44 youth‑friendly spaces nationwide. These centres continue to provide adolescents and young persons with opportunities to rebuild their lives and strengthen their prospects for the future following years of conflict and displacement.
This support was made possible by the invaluable contributions from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank; the UN Joint Programme to Strengthen Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria (UNJP); the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the governments of Australia, Austria, Canada, Japan, and Norway; and UNICEF National Committee for Japan.
