"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." —Helen Keller
Children in many areas of the world do not have access to education. At Al Madad Foundation, we see education as a way to help emancipate and empower the most vulnerable and excluded, especially in times of crisis and disaster when other priorities take centre stage.
The Middle East and North Africa remain our primary focus for the near future. The MENA region is currently enduring devastation and loss on all levels, and for Al Madad Foundation’s founders, this area holds special significance.
There is no question of whether war, crisis, conflict and displacement affect the mental health and wellbeing of children. While on the outside they may show great resilience, young refugees are at risk of developing problems stemming from the traumatic circumstances to which they are subjected.
Refugee and disadvantaged host community children also face numerous social and security challenges that can interrupt their schooling and, with it, their hope for a better future. These conditions place their basic rights at risk and create substantial child protection and safeguarding issues- fractured families and poor living conditions, child labour, forced displacement from informal refugee camps and food security. By addressing these obstacles, we are gradually starting to realise a vision of a more positive future.