- Photo credit: Save the Children
The makeshift shelter is fragile yet vibrant: a sheet of plastic shielding kindergarteners from the harsh elements sweeping Zaatari refugee camp, covered in colorful children’s drawings. The tent belongs to one of three camp kindergartens founded and administered by Save the Children: Rainbow, Little Hands, and Sunshine, which together serve over 1,700 refugee children under five in morning and afternoon shifts.
These schools provide both early childhood development and psycho-social services–the latter also available to parents. Besides basics such as art supplies, healthy snacks, and math, reading, and even dancing lessons, these “Child-Friendly Spaces” offer a safe space where kids can pour their hearts out–literally, as drawings of hearts plastered to the walls.
One such drawing, a pastel banner, shows how a little safety goes a long way. While its layout resembles that of the Syrian opposition flag, its bands of pink and yellow transfigure it into a hopeful sunrise of hearts.
For more info – www.savethechildren.org