Displaced child’s wish: “I want to grow up in my village and become teacher”

Thousands of families were displaced from their homes in the city of Serekaniye in 2019, following attacks launched by Turkish forces on the area, forcing them into harsh displacement conditions in camps across the region.

Among them is the Bashir family, consisting of seven members, who previously lived in the village of Kharbat Dakhil and are now residing in Washokani Camp in the city of Hasaka.

The story of young Nora Bashir reflects the suffering of displacement. She was only two years old when she was forced to flee with her family. Today, she is a third-grade student at a camp school, studying under difficult humanitarian conditions.

Nora does not remember any details about her village or her home, as she was very young at the time of displacement. However, she constantly hears stories from her family and neighbors about them, and she eagerly awaits returning to satisfy her childlike curiosity about what she has only heard described.

Growing up day by day in the camp, Nora carries big dreams. She is currently learning to draw and enjoys singing. With innocent simplicity, she says: “I want to return to our home. Our house is spacious. I don’t want to stay in the camp because I only go to school and my uncle’s house.”

Speaking about life in the camp, Nora adds: “In winter, our tents get soaked, and we get covered in mud and rain on our way to school. I don’t want to stay here. I want to return to the village—I have big dreams.”

When asked about her aspirations upon returning and growing up in her village, Nora says: “I want to become a teacher.”

a.k

ANHA