BE THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In 2020 Frontline Children Ambassador James Bingham visited N. E. Syria (Rojava) and Iraq (Kurdistan) on a fact-finding mission. Given the ongoing conflict in Syria it is extremely difficult to enter Rojava and the global pandemic made things especially challenging. It took over a year of planning to obtain permission to visit and ensure the trip could be undertaken safely.

During his time in Rojava James visited several tented camps for displaced people and later travelled to Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State (ISIS). He also visited another camp when he returned through Kurdistan at the end of the trip.

Raqqa is widely considered the most-destroyed city of modern times and today more than 11,000 buildings are uninhabitable. Amongst the bombed-out buildings, James met dozens of young children wandering the dusty streets, often without shoes or warm clothes, even though it was winter. Many children are orphaned having lost both their parents in the war. Children were desperately rummaging through rubbish bins looking for scraps of food or things to salvage and sell. James witnessed a city in ruins after years of war and the situation is terrible for those who remain. The civilian population and the children have suffered immensely.

On James’ return a proposal was made to the Frontline Children board of trustees to provide a grant to the Atta Al-Fourat organisation. This local NGO based in Raqqa are establishing an education centre for orphaned children with very little support from international donors. Working with Atta Al-Fourat to understand where support was most needed, it was agreed provide a grant to provide emergency winter clothing and shoes for up to 100 street children who were identified as most at risk.

The project was successfully implemented and Atta Al-Fourat have shared many delightful photos of the children in their new clothes and shoes. We now hope to build on our relationship in the months ahead and continue supporting the children of Raqqa and the surrounding areas. Frontline Children believe that all children should have a chance to grow, prosper and feel secure. A chance to achieve their full potential in life, regardless of the circumstances into which they were born, or the tragedies they have experienced.