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Nizar’s New Beginning

ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centres help children affected by crisis, like Nizar, overcome adversity and reclaim their education in Syria

By Education Cannot Wait

March 20^th, 2025

Adapted Story from the Field. Special Contribution by UNICEF Syria (Original).

In the rural city of Al-Safira in Syria, young Nizar's world changed in a tragic instant.

He was just five years old, playing joyfully with his siblings, when a bullet struck his head. The injury shattered part of his skull and shaped his childhood in painful ways – leaving Nizar with hemiplegia, which severely limits movement in his right leg and affects his speech.

The ordeal not only left Nizar with physical scars, but also impacted his mental health. Over time, he withdrew into isolation, unable to escape the shadow of his trauma. School, which should have been a place of safety, only intensified his struggles. Bullied for his disability, he was left feeling misunderstood and alone.

Then Nizar enrolled in a local UNICEF-supported learning centre and remedial classes that help children make up for the studies that they have missed. That was when everything changed for the fifteen-year-old.

In partnership with Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the United Nations – and donors like EU Humanitarian Aid, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KFW Development Bank, Global Partnership for Education, the Governments of Australia, Finland, Japan, New Zealand and Norway, UNICEF Committee for Germany, the Swedish International Development Agency and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – UNICEF in Syria is able to reach children most in need of education support.

“The chances of me surviving were very slim. But I made it and I strive to overcome all the odds.” ~Nizar, 15

Nizar at the ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centre. © UNICEF/Deeb

Growing up, Nizar’s close-knit family in rural Aleppo struggled with displacement, escalating violence and economic hardship. But their biggest challenge was how to cope with his injury.

Besides hindering his ability to walk, it left him deeply afraid of loud noises like gunshots. Each loud sound brought waves of fear, a reminder of that fateful day. Because of this, as well as the bullying he experienced at his school, Nizar grew to prefer staying at home.

“My peers used to make fun of me, saying that I walk like a robot. I never wanted to leave the house.” ~Nizar

His mother saw beyond his pain and limitations. She believed fiercely in her son’s potential, recognizing a brilliant mind and resilient spirit despite his hardships. In a remarkable act of solidarity, she enrolled herself in grade nine to stand by his side.

“I told him that his bright mind is more visible than his disability. Nizar’s education is my top priority. I will not allow him to drop out of school under any circumstances.” ~Nizar’s mother

Nizar and his sister at the ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centre. © UNICEF/Deeb

Still, despite his family’s unwavering encouragement, Nizar’s journey was fraught with setbacks. His head injury often led to lengthy hospitalizations, creating a significant gap in his education. The risk of him falling behind grew with each passing day, and his dream of a fulfilling future felt like it was slipping away.

“His education gap became huge. Nizar needed additional support to achieve his goal and keep learning.” ~Nizar’s mother

Then came a glimmer of hope. A neighbour told Nizar’s mother about a UNICEF-supported learning centre nearby, a haven for children like him who had missed school due to circumstances beyond their control. Without hesitation, she enrolled him – and Nizar’s two sisters – desperate to give her children another chance at an education. The impact of this centre on Nizar’s life was nothing short of transformative.

“The support he received in the centre is invaluable.” ~Nizar’s mother

Nizar and his sister at the ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centre. © UNICEF/Deeb

At the centre, Nizar found himself in a welcoming, supportive learning environment for the first time. With a teacher who cared deeply, classmates who treated him kindly and a curriculum tailored to bridge his learning gaps, he was given a chance at a fresh start.

“We have fun coming together to the centre. We also study and compete at home. We are all doing well but, honestly, Nizar is the smartest.” ~Hiba, Nizar’s sister

The centre offered more than an education – it became a refuge, a place where Nizar could find his voice and the confidence to believe in his potential again.

“I am heard here! Everyone is nice to me. The teacher is amazing and my classmates are very supportive.” ~Nizar

Children studying at the ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centre. © UNICEF/Deeb

As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises within the UN, ECW has been providing critical support to children affected by crisis in Syria since 2017.

Syria remains one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world. The armed conflict, which lasted over a decade, has not only disrupted the education of millions of girls and boys but has also exposed them to horrendous violence and ongoing protection risks. Accessing education is further complicated by limited internet connectivity, deepening the isolation of young learners. In 2025, nearly 7.5 million children in Syria will need humanitarian assistance due to a worsening economic crisis, widespread displacement and severely damaged infrastructure. An estimated 2.4 million children remain out of school, contributing to one of the most severe education crises in recent history. With schools destroyed, damaged or repurposed to shelter displaced families, educational facilities are strained beyond capacity, leaving a generation of Syrian children bearing the cost of this crisis.

ECW recently scaled-up its Multi-Year Resilience Programme in the country with a US$20 million grant. The programme ensures continuous, quality education in challenging environments through a holistic approach – including providing mental health and psychosocial support, establishing safe learning spaces to protect children from attacks and violence and addressing the diverse needs of crisis-affected children like Nizar. It also strengthens national and local education systems, ensuring children can learn and thrive despite the ongoing crisis.

To date, ECW has reached more than 610,000 girls and boys in the country with quality education – including thousands of children with disabilities who previously had limited or no access to adequate educational resources.

Fortunately, the recent changes in December 2024 present a historic opportunity to drive meaningful progress in children’s rights and place their needs at the centre of Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. In response to this pivotal moment, partners like UNICEF are committed to making strategic shifts toward institutional development, working alongside national partners to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions that prioritize children. While this transition is crucial, it remains equally vital for partners to sustain, expand and scale up humanitarian interventions – ensuring support reaches vulnerable children, affected communities, newly accessible areas, and returning internally-displaced persons and refugees.

Nizar studying at the ECW-supported UNICEF Learning Centre. © UNICEF/Deeb

Today, Nizar looks forward to school each morning.

“When I focus on the power of my education, I feel excited and forget about my injury. I picture big dreams for myself.” ~Nizar

Thanks to the encouragement and opportunities he’s received, Nizar has made immense strides in his studies. As of 2024, he was preparing to take the national exam, no longer hindered by the weight of his past but motivated by his bright future.

This journey of resilience was only possible with the support of people who believe in the power of education and healing – within Nizar’s family, community and beyond. Nizar’s story is a testament to the tangible impact that quality education and holistic support can have in a child’s life.

“I want to become a doctor in the future. I witnessed the important role that doctors play, and I want to do the same.” ~Nizar

Students learning at a UNICEF-supported Centre. © UNICEF/Al-Kheder

Access high-resolution photos from this story and our full media library on ECW’s Flickr

Footnotes

Story written by Emilie André

FootNotes

Story written by Emilie André

© 2026 Education Cannot Wait

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