A family’s path to healing
UNICEF supports children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing in Syria
At Tall, Rural Damascus, Syria - When I met my seven-year-old son, he felt like a stranger,” says 40-year-old Basheera. “He thought I was no longer alive.”
After her divorce, contact with her children was severed. The family later moved across borders and, following the death of the children’s father and the destruction of their home in an earthquake, Sami (name changed) returned to Syria in August 2023 to live with his mother.
“At first, he hardly spoke,” recalls Basheera. She and her husband slowly gained his trust with care and attention.
As a clinic receptionist, Basheera helped Sami rebuild daily skills—reading, writing, and simple numeracy – yet he struggled with sleep and behaviour, and school became challenging.
Sami improved rapidly and was placed in grade four. However, his emotional difficulties persisted, making the road ahead anything but smooth. “He was often violent, and teachers complained,” Basheera recalled.
A turning point came when a UNICEF-supported child protection team visited Sami’s school. They provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Sami joined both individual and group sessions. A UNICEF-supported case worker referred the family to a psychologist, who developed a structured plan combining therapy with medical care and behavioural therapy.
Follow-up for Sami underlying health condition. Caregivers also received positive parenting techniques.
“His sleep improved, he could focus, and his grades went up,” says Basheera proudly. “He was even honoured by his teacher. He’s calmer and happier.”
This summer, Sami joined activities at a UNICEF-supported child-friendly space in At Tall. “I like everything here, the games, drawing, and discussions,” he says. “Everyone is kind.”
Today, Sami continues to receive regular medical and psychosocial. He is more connected to family and friends, communicates his feelings, and is steadily progressing in school - exercising his right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Since January 2025, UNICEF, in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KfW Development Bank; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the Government of US; the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund; the Governments of New Zealand, Norway, Italy, Japan, and Republic of Korea UNICEF National Committees for Japan, Spain and Ireland; and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has provided psychosocial support to more than 75,000 children across Syria and reached over 60,000 caregivers with parenting skills sessions.
