Photo credit: Patrick Nicholson/Caritas
Stand with Syria
“ My heart is deeply wounded by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic
developments which are looming.”
- Pope Francis
As the war in Syria wages into its fifth year, 3.8 million Syrians have fled to seek safety in neighbouring
countries. This number includes over 1 million children. Concern is growing for the future of these
children, with many calling them a “lost generation”.
Lebanon is a country of just 4.4 million people. It is doing its best to welcome and support over 1 million
refugees, including admitting over 200,000 children to its school system, but more support from the
international community is needed.
Schools, churches and other communities across Australia are joining together to stand with Syria.
Kids for kids
A simple #withSyria prayer vigil or awareness raising activity is
a great way of sending a message of support to the people
affected by the crisis. Such a demonstration of solidarity
between Australian and Syrian children will raise awareness in
our community and influence our leaders to ensure Australia
contributes our fair share.
By using images such as the red balloon, spelling out “With Syria”
using candles or creating your own messages with the #withSyria
hashtag, your students can be part of a global movement of
solidarity.
Caritas Australia has prayer resources available online.
Make change
To make your event extra meaningful, you could send your
posters or photos to your local MP or invite your local
newspaper to cover the event. Politicians will usually
respond to communications from schools in their
electorates and your students can benefit from learning
that their voices can be heard.
4
years since the
crisis began.
3.8
3/4
of the refugees
are women and children
million
Syrian refugees in
Iraq, Lebanon,
Turkey, Jordan,
Egypt and elsewhere
7.6
million
Syrians forcibly
displaced within Syria.
Curriculum links
Build links with studies on:

peace and justice

Catholic Social Teaching, especially Solidarity

The Middle East in the time of Jesus or the
early Christians

Human rights, rights of the child

Refugees and migration

Geography or history

Australian or global politics

Multi-cultural Australia
More resources are available at
www.caritas.org.au/schools
Source: UNOCHA , UNHCR, Save the Children
Learn more at www.caritas.org.au/syria-crisis
How Caritas is helping
Caritas Australia is providing urgent humanitarian
support to Syrian refugees and host communities in
Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
We are helping over 100,000 people by providing:

Food assistance

Non-food items (such as hygiene kits and
bedding materials)

Health care, including GP clinics

Educational and social services, including
protection to vulnerable refugees

Water and sanitation

Shelter

Blankets, clothing and heaters
Vigil photo: Timothy Herbert/OxfamAUS