7 Stories that Inspired Us in 2021
In 2021, COVID-19 made it harder than ever to keep children safe. These stories offer hope that despite everything they've faced this year, children around the world have still been determined to dream.
1. In Syria, Lara hopes to help other out-of-school children
Lara lives with her family in a displacement camp in Syria. They fled violence near their home three years ago and are now reliant on a tent that doesn’t provide much protection from the cold.
When Lara was told that she must leave her home, she put her toys in a bag and carried them with her throughout her entire journey. She decided to never open the bag of toys until her family returns home.
Her hope for the future is to become a teacher and help other-out of-school children.
Photo credit: Sacha Myers | Save the Children
2. Hasina*, age 3, Somalia
Hasina’s family has faced several years of hardship due to the climate crisis. Intensifying droughts have caused them to lose their livestock, livelihood and home, and now live on the outskirts of a small village.
Save the Children was able to bring fresh water by truck to Hasina’s village in Somalia.
Photo credit: Habiba Ummay | Save the Children
3. In Cox's Bazar, Banna found the support he needed to cope with bullying
Banna loves school, but bullies were targeting him because he is different. Akib, a Save the Children volunteer in the Rohingya refugee camp, met Banna and realized he was having a tough time.
Banna is now receiving ongoing mental health support and is coping much better. Additionally, Save the Children was able to get Banna a wheelchair so he can get out and play more easily.
4. In Uganda, Edith kept learning despire the pandemic thanks to the radio.
6 year old Edith wasn’t going to let the pandemic stop her learning the alphabet. Luckily, she was able to use Save the Children’s broadcasts on community radio to help her. You made it possible for children across Uganda to keep up with their lessons while schools were closed
5. Afghanistan's children had your support when they needed it most.
You were there for Afghanistan’s children when they needed it most. Because of your support, Save the Children is continuing its work for families across the country.
6. Baby Arwa in Yemen Survived Malnutrition.
Baby Arwa’s family are farmers in rural Yemen, but times are tough. They were struggling to afford food because of the rising cost of essential items. Arwa became unwell, so her parents took her to a treatment centre where she was found to be malnourished. Thanks to you, Save the Children provided the nourishment and treatment she needed.
7. Akello went back to school after floods destroyed her villagein South Sudan.
In South Sudan Akello’s village, home and school were destroyed by floods last year. Her family became displaced because of the disaster, and Akello was missing out on her education. Now with your help, Save the Children has rebuilt two learning spaces so Akello and her classmates can go back to school.
2021 has been another tough year for children, with Covid-19, conflict and the climate crisis only making things worse. But through it all, you have been there for children, giving them the support they need to be safe and follow their dreams.
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