A Stepping Stone
February 2021
Sanaa hadn’t ever attended school. When her mother found out about the “Back to the Future” project, the 11-year-old was one phone call away from being registered in BLN (Basic Literacy and Numeracy) program.
Impacted by the Syrian Crisis like many other families, Sanaa (Alias name) and her mother arrived to Lebanon in 2015 and settled in Kayfoun. For about a year now, she’s been learning English, Arabic and Math which is her favorite topic.
Shy, the single child benefits as well from the psychosocial support activities provided under the “Back to the Future” program. “The program has lots of things in it” affirmed the mother as an indication of the richness of the material her daughter is learning.
“Nothing has changed” affirms the mom after the pandemic. According to her, the teachers are saving no effort in delivering the lessons to Sanaa, and her daughter is still receiving the needed support and follow up from them as if she were physically attending her classes.
Food, shelter, and medical care are among the main needs parents look for to ensure to their kids after fleeing a warzone. Education for sure takes a big share. The mom had many questions regarding education pathways, her child’s adaptation potential and surely how to solve the financial burdens.
“Every mother loves to see her daughter reach high positions.” said the mother when asked about her aspirations for Sanaa. “Back to the Future” is providing a stepping stone for her daughter to create a strong base for her education. From not knowing the letters to being able to read and write within a year, Sanaa can surely be proud of the progress she made.
Back to the Future is funded by the European Union, through the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis, the EU Madad Fund, and implemented in partnership by AVSI, Terre des Hommes Italy in Lebanon and War Child Holland in Lebanon.
