The Syrian Struggle as a Mirror: Teaching Generation Z Gratitude and Resilience Through Global Perspectives

s2dikdas.fip.unesa.ac.id SURABAYA – The Syrian conflict has been one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century, leaving millions of children in dire conditions. The destruction of homes, the loss of family members, and the scarcity of food and clean water are just a few of the harsh realities faced by these young victims. For Generation Z, living in an age of instant access to information, it can be difficult to fully grasp the implications of such a crisis. However, using the Syrian struggle as a mirror through global perspectives offers a powerful educational opportunity to cultivate gratitude, resilience, and empathy in young learners.

The Struggles of Syrian Children: A Mirror for Understanding Gratitude

Syria’s civil war, which erupted in 2011, has left a profound impact on its citizens, particularly its children. More than half of Syria's children have been displaced, either within the country or as refugees in neighboring nations. For many of these children, their lives are marked by instability, loss, and trauma. In refugee camps, they face overcrowding, limited access to education, and insufficient healthcare.

For students in peaceful environments, such as Indonesia, the struggles of their Syrian peers may seem distant. However, by examining the harsh realities faced by these children, educators can help students gain a deeper understanding of their own privileges. This reflection is an opportunity to instill a sense of gratitude in students for the security, education, and family support they often take for granted.

A simple discussion or lesson on the Syrian conflict can prompt students to recognize the comforts of their own lives—such as access to regular meals, safe living conditions, and education—and help them understand how important it is not to waste these privileges. This realization can foster greater appreciation for their daily lives and a deeper sense of gratitude toward their families, teachers, and communities.

Resilience Through Global Perspectives: Teaching the Strength of the Syrian People

In addition to cultivating gratitude, the story of Syria offers valuable lessons in resilience. Despite the unimaginable challenges faced by Syrian children and families, many have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. They continue to find ways to survive, rebuild their lives, and seek better futures, even in the most difficult circumstances.

For Generation Z, a group that is often characterized by its fast-paced, instant gratification lifestyle, learning about the resilience of others can be a powerful antidote to feelings of entitlement or frustration. Teaching about the strength of Syrian children—who have learned to cope with loss, trauma, and uncertainty—can inspire students to develop their own resilience when faced with personal challenges.

Teachers can encourage students to think about the qualities that make people resilient—such as determination, hope, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances—and explore how these qualities can be applied in their own lives. Students can be prompted to reflect on their own challenges, whether in school or at home, and think about how they can develop the resilience to overcome them, just as Syrian children have done in the face of war.

Using Global Perspectives to Build Critical Thinking

The Syrian conflict also offers an excellent opportunity to teach critical thinking through global perspectives. Students can analyze the political, social, and humanitarian aspects of the conflict, asking questions such as: “Why is Syria in conflict? How does the war impact the children living there? What can the international community do to help?”

These questions encourage students to think critically about global issues and explore how they can make a difference. Critical thinking is an essential skill for Generation Z, especially in an era where they are constantly bombarded with information from multiple sources. By teaching them to analyze and question the world around them, educators can equip students with the tools they need to navigate complex global challenges.

Discussions about Syria can also serve as a platform for students to reflect on their role as global citizens. They can explore how different countries have responded to the crisis and what actions they themselves can take to contribute to humanitarian efforts, whether through raising awareness, supporting aid organizations, or promoting peace and diplomacy.

Lessons in Compassion: Teaching Empathy Through the Syrian Experience

Empathy is one of the most important values to instill in young people, especially in the context of a globalized world. Understanding the experiences of Syrian children—many of whom have lost family members, faced extreme hardship, and been forced to flee their homes—can help students develop a deeper sense of empathy toward others in their own communities and beyond.

Teachers can facilitate activities that allow students to put themselves in the shoes of others, such as role-playing exercises or writing letters of support to Syrian children. These activities allow students to experience the emotional weight of the situation, fostering a personal connection to the global issue.

Empathy also goes beyond understanding others’ pain; it is about taking action to alleviate that pain. Teachers can guide students in brainstorming ways they can help—whether by raising funds, creating awareness campaigns, or participating in community service. This active engagement can help students see that even small actions can have a significant impact, and that empathy is not just a feeling but a call to action.

Practical Strategies for Teachers: Bringing Syria into the Classroom

1. Use Visual Media: Documentaries, photo essays, and news reports can help bring the reality of the Syrian conflict into the classroom. These resources allow students to visualize the situation and connect emotionally to the lives of Syrian children.
2. Foster Critical Discussions: Lead classroom discussions on topics such as the causes of the conflict, the impact of war on children, and what steps can be taken to help. Encouraging students to ask questions and explore various perspectives will help them think critically about global issues.
3. Encourage Creative Expression: Have students express their thoughts and emotions through art, writing, or digital media. Projects like creating posters or writing letters of support to Syrian children allow students to engage with the material in a meaningful way.
4. Connect to Local Contexts: Help students relate the global issue to their local community by discussing themes like gratitude, resilience, and empathy. Teachers can ask students to reflect on how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.
5. Support Action: Provide opportunities for students to take action, such as organizing fundraising events for Syrian refugees or participating in local advocacy efforts. These activities show students that their efforts can contribute to making a positive change in the world.

 

The Syrian conflict offers a powerful lens through which to teach Generation Z about gratitude, resilience, and empathy. By examining the struggles faced by Syrian children, students can develop a deeper appreciation for their own lives, while also learning valuable lessons in perseverance and hope. Through critical thinking, creative expression, and active engagement, teachers can help students understand their role as global citizens and encourage them to contribute to making the world a better place. The lessons from Syria serve as a mirror for understanding not only the plight of others but also the strength and resilience that each student can cultivate within themselves.

 

Author: Annas Solihin, S.Pd.

Photo Documentation: istock