‘I became motivated to go to school and learn again’

14-year-old Hayat* sits in her classroom in Syria, her hands wrapped around her notebook, her eyes focused with determination. Just a few months ago, it was this same classroom that she wanted to avoid.

Many schools in Syria remain under-resourced. Children’s ability to learn effectively  is limited due to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate heating and WASH facilities, and a lack of essential learning materials.

Hayat*’s school is one of thousands. Before receiving support, classrooms were in poor condition. Doors and windows could not close properly, leaving students exposed to the harsh winter cold. Inside, broken desks and an uncomfortable environment made it difficult to focus or feel at ease.

“The school was cold and unequipped, I wasn’t excited to go to school”, shares Hayat. For many students, including Hayat, going to school became a challenge rather than a routine.

At home, the situation was not much easier. Like many families affected by the crisis, Hayat’s family faces financial hardship, with rising living costs and limited income. Heating is not always accessible, despite the very cold winters, heavy rains, and occasional snowfall.

Families often resort to unsafe alternatives that can affect children’s health. In such conditions, staying warm, whether at home or at school, becomes a daily struggle.

Everything began to change when World Vision restored warmth and life to the school. Through the World Vision Syria Response rehabilitation project, 45 schools in rural Damascus were rehabilitated, from classrooms and hallways to sanitation facilities.

Seven of these schools were also supported through a heating project, benefiting 84 classrooms with heaters, provision of fuel storage tanks, and supply of heating fuel. What was once a cold and unwelcoming space was transformed into a safe, warm, and supportive learning environment. The impact was immediate. 

“When the classrooms became warm, I felt so much comfort and became motivated to go to school and learn again,” reflects Hayat. She began attending school more regularly, feeling more at ease in her classroom.

“In Syria, winters can get extremely cold and it affected my daughter greatly. Slowly, my daughter’s engagement improved, and so did her academic performance. School finally became a place she wanted to be,” reflects her mother, Amina*.

Today, Hayat walks into her classroom with a renewed sense of energy. She feels encouraged, supported, and ready to learn as she hopes to finish school and enter university.

In a context where conflict and hardship continue to impact children’s access to education, creating a safe and warm learning environment can make all the difference.

Through the generous support from World Vision Singapore and Hong Kong, over 2,500 boys and girls across seven schools benefited from the installation of heaters, provision of fuel storage tanks, and supply of heating fuel.

For Hayat and many others, a simple change, a warm classroom, has not only improved her learning experience, but restored her motivation, strengthened her confidence, and allowed her to dream again.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.