The Sad Truth
Imagine this, you are a young child in Syria, playing outside in the schoolyard with your fellow classmates. The day seems normal like any other day surrounded by your classmates that you have known since you have started school. You wave balloons just like any other day, smile, and dance to music with your friends. But all of a sudden a sad reality strikes all of your classmates’ faces- the brutal civil war is still going on in Syria.
You and your friends realize that the music and smiles may act as a shield but can’t erase reality. You are a young child growing up in Syria during a civil war, your life is not normal, and you are witnessing more than you should at your age. You see all the kids surrounding you looking up to check for planes in the sky, your heart trembles and you wonder what it would be like to live a “normal life”.
Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children hearing something scary. Parents should be worrying about their health, happiness, and schoolwork. Their kids are being exposed to so much at a young age, it is difficult for them to wrap their brains around the bitter fact that this nightmare is the reality for each and every one of them. Junior, Ciana Massaria stated a sad truth, “Its crazy to learn about something like this, you realize how safe our country is compared to others.”
As of right now, there are a few organizations acting as child protection charities such as, “ Hurras Network”. There is very little that anyone can do to protect the children of Syria but these organizations are attempting to keep the mental health of these students high. Junior Allison Brown, said, “I can’t imagine growing up being surrounded by civil war.”The charity also works with parents, to help them learn skills to support their children, and reduce harm at home.
While talking to Victoria Bell about this topic, she said, “I feel like there should be more awareness about what is happening around the world right now in schools.” Maybe, if more students hear about what is happening in Syria right now, they will spread more awareness, and hopefully, create more charities in the future.
Spread awareness about the bitter reality in Syria. Put yourself in the shoes of the young children who are living through this civil war. Don’t take for granted the safety of your own country.