Bringing Real Stories to the Classroom: Global Citizenship Education Focused on Syrian Child Victims of War

s2dikdas.fip.unesa.ac.id SURABAYA – In a world increasingly marked by global interconnections, understanding the experiences of others beyond our immediate environment is crucial for fostering empathy, responsibility, and a sense of shared humanity. Nowhere is this more critical than when addressing the plight of children affected by war. The ongoing conflict in Syria, now entering its 13th year, has left an indelible mark on millions of children, whose lives have been shaped by violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones. For educators, using real stories from the Syrian crisis to teach global citizenship provides an invaluable opportunity to engage students with the realities of global injustice while fostering values of empathy, resilience, and critical action.

Understanding the Syrian Conflict: A Window into Global Citizenship

Syria’s devastating civil war, which began in 2011, has led to a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions. As of 2024, millions of children are living in refugee camps, facing daily struggles to survive. These children have lost their homes, their families, and their access to basic needs such as food, clean water, and education. With a generation of children growing up in these dire circumstances, the need for global citizenship education has never been more pressing.

Global citizenship education is about helping students develop an understanding of the world’s interconnectedness and their role in it. It is about cultivating the ability to empathize with people in distant parts of the world, understand the root causes of global challenges, and recognize their own potential to make a positive impact. In this context, learning about the children affected by the Syrian war provides a powerful platform for instilling these values in students.

The Role of Real Stories in Teaching Global Citizenship

Using real stories from Syria allows students to engage with the human side of global issues, moving beyond statistics and headlines. Personal stories of Syrian children—whether through survivor testimonies, photographs, or documentaries—make the abstract concepts of war and displacement tangible and relatable. These stories highlight not just the pain and suffering caused by the war, but also the resilience and hope that many children hold onto, even in the most difficult circumstances.

By bringing these stories into the classroom, teachers can foster an emotional connection between students and the issues at hand. This connection is crucial in helping students move beyond passive awareness of global issues to active concern and empathy. When students hear the stories of children in Syria, they are more likely to feel personally invested in their well-being and motivated to take action in support of global peace and justice.

Strategies for Integrating Syrian Stories into Global Citizenship Education

1. Storytelling and Personal Testimonies: One of the most impactful ways to bring the realities of the Syrian conflict into the classroom is through storytelling. Educators can share the personal experiences of Syrian children, either through written stories, video testimonies, or virtual meetups with refugee organizations. These narratives allow students to connect on a human level with those affected by the conflict, helping them understand the emotional and psychological toll of war. Teachers can facilitate class discussions around these stories, encouraging students to reflect on the feelings and struggles of the children involved.
2. Media Literacy and Analysis: In today’s digital age, media literacy is an essential skill for understanding global issues. By analyzing media coverage of the Syrian conflict—whether through news articles, photographs, or social media posts—students can explore how the conflict is portrayed in different media outlets and what biases may exist in these portrayals. Media analysis also allows students to evaluate the ethical implications of how such sensitive stories are presented to the public and encourages them to critically engage with the information they encounter.
3. Role-Playing and Empathy Exercises: Role-playing exercises are a powerful tool for fostering empathy in the classroom. Teachers can invite students to take on roles representing Syrian children, their families, or even aid workers, and engage in scenarios that reflect the challenges faced by children affected by war. These exercises can be followed by group discussions, where students reflect on the experience and share what they learned about the emotions and decisions involved in the conflict.
4. Project-Based Learning: A project-based approach encourages students to take an active role in their learning while exploring the Syrian conflict in greater depth. Students can research different aspects of the conflict—such as its causes, the impact on children, and the global response—and work together to create presentations, campaigns, or awareness projects. This approach allows students to collaborate, think critically, and apply their learning in creative ways that contribute to broader discussions about global citizenship.
5. Community Engagement and Action: Learning about the Syrian crisis should not end with classroom discussions. Educators can encourage students to get involved in global citizenship efforts through activities such as fundraising for Syrian refugees, writing letters of support, or participating in awareness campaigns. These actions empower students to take concrete steps to make a positive difference, reinforcing the idea that global citizenship is about more than just understanding—it is about taking responsibility and acting for change.

Building Empathy and Gratitude Through Syria’s Story

For Indonesian students, many of whom live in a relatively peaceful and stable environment, learning about the Syrian conflict can be an eye-opening experience. It can prompt students to reflect on their own privileges—such as having access to food, education, and family support—and develop a deeper sense of gratitude. This sense of gratitude can serve as a foundation for empathy, as students begin to recognize that not all children in the world share the same privileges.

Moreover, the resilience demonstrated by Syrian children, who continue to hope and dream despite the hardships they face, offers a powerful lesson in perseverance. By reflecting on the strength and determination of these children, students can learn how to overcome challenges in their own lives. Whether in school, at home, or in their communities, students can draw inspiration from the stories of Syrian children and develop their own resilience and resolve.

Teaching Critical Global Citizenship Through Syria’s Story

Syria’s story is not just a tragedy—it is a call to action. By integrating these real stories into the classroom, educators can encourage students to think critically about the world around them. They can explore questions such as: What are the root causes of conflict? How can the international community support children affected by war? What is the role of individuals in advocating for peace and justice?

These discussions help students develop the analytical skills necessary to understand global issues and contribute to meaningful solutions. By learning about the Syrian conflict, students not only become more aware of the world’s problems, but they also gain the tools they need to engage with these problems constructively. In turn, they can become informed, active global citizens who work toward creating a more just and compassionate world.

 

The stories of Syrian children provide a powerful lens through which to teach global citizenship in the classroom. By using these real-life experiences as a foundation, educators can help students develop empathy, gratitude, and resilience, while also fostering critical thinking and action. As students learn about the hardships faced by children in conflict zones, they begin to understand the importance of their role as global citizens and recognize that they can make a difference in the world. Through global citizenship education focused on Syria, students not only learn about the suffering of others—they are empowered to become advocates for change and contributors to a better, more just world.

 

Author: Annas Solihin, S.Pd.

Photo Documentation: istock