Habib al-Ali's story
Read about how Habib al-Ali through help from ADRA could start schooling in
Syria.
"When I saw other children go to school in their uniforms, I thought to myself that will probably never happen to me"
Habib al-Ali was born in to a poor, Syrian family in Aleppo and lost his
father due to the civil war. His mother could not afford his school supplies
but through a collection from patrons of ADRA Denmark, Denmark included, he was
able to be equipped with a school bag, writing tools and books.
Habib al-Ali’s mother has struggled to provide for the family, which is
the reason why Habib al-Ali did not attend school before he was 12 years old.
After a fundraising event by ADRA Denmark, Habib al-Ali and other destitute
Syrian children, have been equipped with schoolbag, pencil case, pens, note
book, geometry set, ruler, eraser and a wallet.
Lack of time and money
Habib was born in the city of Maskaneh, the youngest boy with three
brothers. His region was deeply affected by the war in 2013 and his father
disappeared mysteriously. They have not heard anything from or about him, but
they acknowledge that he is likely dead.
Because of the destruction of the local schools and his mother’s
financial situation Habib was not able to attend school, when he reached the
relevant age. In general, when families lack the funds for clothes, food and
housing, education is less likely to be a priority for poor parents.
The mother and the eldest brother were hired to wash sheep’s wool, and
Habib helped in any way possible for a kid of his age.
“At the time, my elder brother told me exciting stories from his time in
school, and my mother promised that I could attend, as soon as the war ended”
Habib tells.
When the fighting in Aleppo ended in 2016, the family moved to the city
in order to find well-payed jobs. Habib’s mother and brother found work at a
candy factory and rented a house in al-Sakhour, a district in the eastern part
of Aleppo, where many internally displaced Syrians live.
Habib’s mother did not find time to find a school, despite her promises
for the two youngest brothers, Habib and Ahmed, as she worked at the factory 12
hours a day.
“When I saw other children go to school in their uniforms, I thought to
myself that will probably never happen to me”
An exciting turning point
One of the family’s neighbours was by chance one of the teachers at the
pre-school course, that ADRA Syria runs in the area and that ADRA Denmark
supports. Encouraged by the neighbour, Habib’s mother enrolled her two sons in
the free school programme, which prepares children to be enrolled in a real
school.
Most of the participating students have for a long time been out of
school, and some have never been to school at all, either because of destroyed
buildings, fear and traumas from the war or because of poverty.
Since Habib began the course, his life has changed dramatically. His
teacher tells that the boy is very smart, and that he is quickly progressing to
a level, that should enable him to attend a regular school.
When ADRA gave the free school materials to the kids at the course,
Habib said: “I am very grateful that ADRA has helped me and my brother. The
school kit has everything I need. Thank you for the precious gift”
This article was written by ADRA. The Foreign Ministry of
Denmark is not responsible for the contents of the article.