War often prevents children from receiving education. During conflict, school acts as a place of safety for children. In Syria, many children have been forced out of school as a result of the war, denying them their right to education. March 2023 marks 12 years since the start of the civil war in Syria. During … Continued
This week, we are reflecting on the importance of mental health in peacebuilding.
Step into the lives of two young people from war-torn Syria.
2020 was a year of unprecedented challenge and change. For Peace Direct and our partners, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to quickly adapt and respond to the changing environment. Like many organisations around the world, we have continued to deliver our work in new and innovative ways. As we move forwards in 2021 and beyond, we’ve been reflecting on our successes last year. Here, we are pleased to share some of our highlights:
Batoul is 16 years old and lives in Syria. She is the only girl in a family of three brothers. Over the last nine years, she and her family have been displaced three times, moving from the countryside of Idlib to the city of Kafr Takharim. Through a creative activity run by Peace Direct’s local partner, Hurras, Batoul has found her confidence once more, and her belief in peace.
During a siege in Eastern Ghouta, Syria, bombs blasted, the sounds of shelling filled the air, and cries were heard. Amal’s three children were scared. She did what she could to protect them – trying to distract them from the conflict going on around them with games and toys.
Now in its seventh year, the Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders Awards celebrate some of the world’s most innovative local peacebuilders. This year, the three focus areas for the awards were: women-led peacebuilding, youth-led peacebuilding, and music and the performing arts. A panel of international experts selected the winners from 406 applicants, the highest number we have received to date.
Over the last few months, the Peace Direct team has reviewed over 300 Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders applications from local organisations around the world; the highest turnout to date. Hosted at #PeaceCon2018 in Washington DC, we announced the three winning organisations, and celebrated the nine finalists who all demonstrate the most exciting and innovative peacebuilding activites.
After attending a skills training workshop run by our local partner in Syria learning how to repair small electrical items, Mahmoud has become a source of inspiration for his friends, family and local community.
Overnight, hopes grew that a ceasefire might allow for the remaining population to flee eastern Aleppo. This morning, no residents have yet been allowed to leave and there are reports of renewed shelling.