A second chance for Yahia: finding strength in the face of adversity
With UNICEF’s support, a boy learns to dream again
Zabadin village, Syria – With nearly 14 years of conflict, children in Syria are constantly exposed to violence leaving significant impact on their behaviours.
“Last year, one of the school principals where we were supporting students with our psychosocial programme approached me,” recalled Kholoud, a case manager at a UNICEF-supported child protection team in Zabadin village, Rural Damascus, Syria. The school principal was trying to seek support in dealing with a 13-year-old boy Yahia, who had been displaying violent behaviour towards his peers.
Yahia had experienced more hardship than most children his age. Living in Zabadin with his family, Yahia lost his legs at the age of 6 when a shell exploded near his house. His mother, Douaa, recounts the harrowing moments: “He lost one leg instantly, and the other might have been saved if the hospital had been equipped. But we were under siege, with no access to basic medical supplies—not even threads to stitch his wound.”
The pain and trauma that Yahia endured were not only physical but emotional. It turned into deep anger, which he expressed through an aggressive behaviour at school.
“I learnt how to manage my anger. Now, when I feel angry, I take deep breaths, count to ten, or play sport.”
To help Yahia overcome his trauma, Kholoud held individual counseling sessions with Yahia, which helped him to open up and share his experiences and feelings. He admitted that the bullying he endured because of his disability fuelled his anger. "I always felt lonely and sad, but when I retaliated, I got into deep trouble,” he added.
As a result of numerous complaints on his behaviour, Yahia dropped out of school. This is when Kholoud stepped in again. She persuaded his mother to enrol him in a different school the following academic year and encouraged him to attend summer activities organised by the UNICEF-supported mobile team.
Yahia eagerly participated in the summer sessions, particularly enjoying activities focused on emotional expression. “I learnt how to manage my anger,” Yahia said proudly. “Now, when I feel angry, I take deep breaths, count to ten, or play sports,” he commented.
A turning point for Yahia
Yahia’s physical strength and determination caught the attention of the mobile team. Despite his disability, he played football with remarkable agility, moving quickly on his hands. “Sometimes we forgot that he had a disability,” Kholoud said. “He had so much energy and only needed guidance to channel it positively.”
In September 2024, Yahia enrolled in a new inclusive school, rehabilitated by UNICEF, which is accessible to children with disabilities. Yahia’s eyes lit up as he described it: “I can move around on my own now. There’s even a bathroom I can use without help!”
"Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and dream. It’s not just about academic success—it’s about restoring hope and dignity."
Kholoud worked closely with Yahia’s teachers, offering them advice on how to support him, particularly during his favourite sports class. She continues to monitor his progress. “I’m so proud when I hear how much he’s improving, both academically and socially,” Kholoud said.
Yahia’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts. UNICEF’s child protection programme plays a critical role in transforming lives like Yahia’s. Through psychosocial support, inclusive education, and community-based activities, vulnerable children are given the tools they need to rebuild their lives and thrive despite their circumstances. "Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and dream," said Kholoud. "It’s not just about academic success—it’s about restoring hope and dignity."
Since January 2024, 117,921 children benefited from UNICEF-supported mental health and psychosocial support and 39,764 children benefited from UNICEF-supported case management services. These activities were made possible thanks to the governments of Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Norway, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KfW Development Bank, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA/USAID), the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and UNICEF National Committees for the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, Ireland, Singapore, Egypt, Norway, and Canada.
