Syrian conflict is worst refugee crisis in a quarter of a century

Photo courtesy of UNHCR / I. Prickett

More than four million Syrians have now fled war and persecution and become refugees in neighbouring countries, making the Syrian conflict the worst crisis for almost a quarter of a century.

These latest figures were released from The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) a few days ago, with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees stating “This is the biggest refugee population from a single conflict in a generation. It is a population that deserves the support of the world but is instead living in dire conditions and sinking deeper into abject poverty.”

The biggest increase has been in Turkey but in Lebanon an additional 40,000 have crossed the border from Syria in six months, making the total 1,172,753 registered refugees. The number of unregistered refugees is thought to be much higher. As the influx of displaced Syrians in Lebanon grows, the refugee schools we support are working hard to accommodate the growing needs.

To cater for increased numbers a third school was opened in May for an additional 120 students, and staff are expecting another 30 in the next few months, taking the amount of children we are supporting up to 300. 

The school itself was brilliantly designed by a German architect who volunteered his time, making a more spacious area than that of the other schools, and laying it out in a way that enables the children to have some outside space to play and run around in during breaks. The second tent school space has also been adapted by the renting of a nearby tent to use as an extension.

The need in the refugee community here continues to grow, and if we can secure funding then the aim is to create a fourth school as soon as the funds come in. The UN describes how a funding crisis is compounding the problems of both refugees and humanitarian agencies.

We appeal for any help you can give with your own donations, by finding out about the work we support here and through sharing news about the project to those who may be interested in supporting it. 

Thank you. 

Photo courtesy of UNHCR / I. Prickett 

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