Ali’s Story

“I enjoy my classes,” says Ali, 15. “I’ve made friends, and I’m learning to speak English.”

It’s mid-afternoon in Harsham Camp for the displaced in Erbil. Twenty boys are seated in the tent of a UNICEF-supported Child Friendly Space, ready for their afternoon lesson. On the whiteboard their teacher has written simple phrases in English, followed by their Arabic translation.

“I love English. It’s a beautiful language,” he says. And, switching to English to demonstrate what he’s learned today, he declares: “Hello! How are you! Where are you from!”

Ali lives with his family in Harsham, where they found refuge after violence forced them from their homes last September. He and each of his seven brothers and sisters visit the UNICEF-supported Child Friendly Space every day.

This space provides children like Ali with a safe venue to learn, socialize, and play. Here they can escape the pain of the world around them and simply be young.

As the lesson ends, the children flock out of the tent and, shepherded by one of the protection specialists who supervise activities here, stream onto the nearby volleyball court. It’s very hot in northern Iraq, but that doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm for a vigorous game of volleyball.

“I love volleyball,” Ali says breathlessly, running off to join his friends. “But I’m a fan of FC Barcelona and especially Lionel Messi,” he says, shouting back with smile on his face.