Against All Odds—Hadi’s Journey for Education in War-Torn Aleppo

  • Aamna Yaseen
  • Oct 4, 2024
  • 2 min read

f82d1c_6fbb483568bc48d3873fabc8f76fadbdmv2-8392543 Syria’s Most War-Torn City: Aleppo

Hadi, a fourteen-year-old kid, lives in the center of rural Aleppo, where the ruins of a once-thriving village are scattered among the scars caused by fighting. He had to decide whether or not to put his life in danger to further his education—a decision that no child should ever have to make. His country was severely affected by the Syrian Civil War, with schools being destroyed and danger looming on every corner. Even in this chaotic environment, Hadi understood that passing grade 9 examinations was more than simply a requirement for his education—it was a chance to improve his and his family’s future.

Hadi’s travel had many dangers. His family saved 15,000 Syrian pounds, or around $35, to help pay for the voyage to Aleppo—a substantial sum in a war-torn nation. But the true cost of his journey was measured in far more than money. Hadi’s first attempt was met with an impediment he could not overcome: streets obstructed by intense combat. He knew he had to try again when he was forced to turn around.

Hadi traveled a hazardous and challenging route that usually took four hours but became a worrisome three-day ordeal. With him, violence was always a possibility, lingering over each move. Despite the hectic situation, Hadi’s determination did not falter. Over the last few years, he has been able to work and study for my exams simultaneously. He relied on self-education books whenever possible after being forced to drop out of school to support his family. Hadi’s journey was filled with challenges and obstacles, but he eventually arrived in Aleppo.

Many important lessons can be noted in a retrospective analysis of Hadi’s travel. This case demonstrates a universal effect of war: schools become shelling targets and therefore interfere with children’s education. The story also goes on to show the many struggles that Hadi and his family face in terms of finances and socio-economic background. Even when there is little money, the family believes education is essential to uplifting their social class as seen where they forgo some resources to send Hadi to Aleppo.

The physical and cognitive strain of travelling through conflict prone zones points out the potential danger that one faces when trying to learn in a war-torn region. Hadi’s experience is also one that stresses the necessity of community during a period of great struggles. His account provides insight into the need for action and commitment towards education even in the most difficult regions, especially those that are torn apart by war, and the importance of foreign assistance, policies, and measures to restore education in such regions. Such undertakings are necessary in ensuring that children do not remain limited from accomplishing all that they want in life.