Noor's story

Noor came to Lebanon in the spring of 2021 from Aleppo, Syria, where her husband had been arrested and physically abused in front of their children, the youngest just four years old at the time. Noor now lives with her family of six children, her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Noor describes her living conditions in Lebanon as being "not very comfortable," as her husband suffers from a serious health condition that prevents him from working or lifting heavy objects. In addition, Noor and her children are still traumatized from her husband's abduction back in Syria. Among other things, she tells how her children start screaming and crying when they hear loud noises. To provide medicine for her husband and provide for her family's basic needs, Noor has used harmful survival strategies, especially when she finds it challenging to live in a crowded house with an expensive rent.

Noor has participated in psychological support courses for mental health at the Lebanese NGO Nabad for Development in collaboration with Save the Children, which is supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Noor expresses that the program has made a difference for her and her family: "I have gained useful knowledge and skills on how to communicate with my children and relieve their stress. I encourage my children to continue their education, to become stronger, to believe more in themselves and to be able to make new friends and become future leaders."

Noor's only wish for the future is to be able to remain in a safe and healthy environment, and to be able to "guarantee education for my children, to see them become successful and skilled community leaders." Noor also hopes she can be able to support her children and their well-being, and ensure them a good life away from harm and abuse.

This article was prepared by Nabad for Development. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not take responsibility for the content of the article.