Impossible to concentrate in school if you are hungry, says Sheikha Jawaher

In a 'heart-to-heart' talk with Syrian women and children at the Zaatari refugee camp, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qassimi says it is important to receive firsthand information on the troubles and need of refugees.

During her latest humanitarian trip to Jordan, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, UNHCR Eminent Advocate and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, met women and children from the Zaatari refugee camp. WShow more

DUBAI // It is impossible for children to concentrate in school if they are hungry, ill or traumatised, a refugee advocate said after a trip to the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan.

In what she describes as a "heart-to-heart" talk with Syrian women and children at the refugee camp, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, UNHCR eminent advocate and wife of the ruler of Sharjah, said it was important to receive first-hand information on the troubles and needs of refugees.

“The most important thing is not what we tell refugees, but what they tell us. Nobody understands the crisis better than them because to them it is not just a news headline or statistic, it is their everyday life.

“I had a heart-to-heart talk about the women’s hopes and fears, and I asked the children about their career dreams. But I have realised that it is impossible for children to concentrate in school if they are hungry, ill, cold or traumatised. So, by improving their home life we will also improve their school life.

“I have been greatly touched by the brave women I have met, who sacrifice everything because they want their children to be judged not by their refugee status, but by their achievements in life.”

Sheikha Jawaher, who strongly believes that education is one of the basic rights of every child, recently launched the education phase of the Big Heart campaign that focuses on educating children displaced by the Syrian crisis.

Her trip to Zaatari was centred around finding out how many schools, books and teachers were needed. Consultations were also provided to help improve the shelter and locate ways to improve sanitation and medial access.

Sheikha Jawaher previously organised campaigns to raise funds andto provide for refugees in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Jordan with food and warmth during cold months.