How Suzane Rebuilt Hope for Her Children after fleeing Syria
When Suzane* needed to cross a river from Syria into Lebanon, she carried nothing but fear, exhaustion, and the hands of her two young children. Today, she carries hope.
With teary eyes, she recalls that moment. “We fled across the Nahr el Kabir,” river she says softly. “We were terrified, but we had no choice. I just wanted to keep my children safe.”
Suzane lost her husband during the Syrian conflict and fled with her children and her parents to Akkar region. “A kind man hosted us when we arrived,” she recalls. “I have a son, Hicham, who is six, and a daughter, Mays, who is five. They both go to school now, but it was hard for them at first.”
She and her family rely on humanitarian assistance from organisations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Recently, she joined the ELEVATE project.
Funded by KOICA, implemented by IOM Lebanon, and in partnership with World Vision Korea and World Vision Lebanon, the ELEVATE project aims to enhance livelihoods and community infrastructure for vulnerable Lebanese communities and Syrian refugees in crisis-affected areas of Akkar and North Lebanon, while generating evidence to inform inclusive, sustainable, and resilient programming.
Through the project’s cash-for-work activities, Suzane helped clean and maintain local water canals to prevent flooding and protect nearby homes. “This project helped us a lot,” she says. “We live far from the school, and I can now pay for their books, clothes, and the things they love.”
Suzane's life changed completely after her husband’s death. “He was our main support, providing everything for the kids. Since he passed away, I have become both a mother and a father. Life is hard, but when I see my children laughing and smiling, everything changes. Their happiness gives me strength to keep going.”
“Before joining this project,” Suzane recalls, “I worked long hours in a restaurant for very little pay. Later, I took jobs in the fields to support my family. This opportunity, however, finally brought stability and dignity to our lives.”
“This kind of work allows me to provide the essentials for my children while feeling respected for what I do,” she says. “Working together as a group changed us,” she explains. “We share laughter, we help one another, and we support each other through our struggles. It improves our mood and makes us feel that we’re part of something good and useful.”
Still, Suzane faces social judgement. “Some people say, ‘You go out and collect people’s rubbish?’ Others say, ‘Bravo, you’re strong.’ I believe any work is honourable. I’m not begging, I’m earning a living for my children.”
Suzane dreams of a better future for her Children. “Hicham wants to be a doctor to help people with heart disease, like his grandfather”. She says proudly, “Sara wants to be a paediatrician to help children.”
She smiles softly. “Life has taught me a lot, especially after losing my husband. This project did not only provide income; it gave us strength, hope, and a reason to keep moving forward. I truly hope opportunities like this continue, because they bring comfort, support, and a sense of purpose for many families like mine."
*Names changed to protect identities