Syrian refugee families were forced to quickly flee their homes, leaving behind more than just material objects- but also their sense of safety and security. Their stories and struggles continue to move us all. They have lost family, careers they earned through hard effort, and a sense of dignity along the way. We believe the best way to address these losses is by providing Syrian children refugees, who are victims to this crisis, with the education they so rightly deserve.

Who Are We?

We are two medical students, Ahmad Elkhatib and Heba Osman, currently studying at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our firm belief is that education is the best opportunity for refugee children to build a better future for themselves and their country. We believe that there is not enough local support to address this international humanitarian crisis. This fact inspired our "Letters of Love" campaign (detailed below) along with this Launchgood campaign.

From Tents to Schools

All proceeds raised will go to a local Jordanian non-profit organization called White Hands, specifically to aid their project "Al- Rahba Children's Project/مشروع الرحبه للاطفال". This project aims to build a school for Syrian refugee children living in Mafraq, Jordan. This school initially started out in tents that accommodated 400 children (pictured below). The school provides students with a snack while they learn- an essential factor as many families cannot afford to adequately feed their children. Currently, White Hands plans to construct a school that will host 650 students over 2 shifts (morning 325, evening 325) moving the children out of the worn down tents and into a proper setting for a learning environment. Without this school, many of the refugee children will be unable to attain an education. Zienab Al-Zubad, the Project's Coordinator, informed us that they employ Syrian and Jordanian citizens to teach on a salary of 150 Dinars per month (equivalent to about $210 USD). The money raised through this campaign will go towards building the school and acquiring the materials necessary for the children's education (e.g. construction cost, textbooks, food, classroom furniture, school supplies, and teacher’s salary).

Letters of Love

Our campaign "Letters of Love" gives supporters the opportunity to send a letter to a Syrian child refugee living within the Al-Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan in addition to providing donations. Additionally, we are expanding support through this Launchgood campaign, in order to provide the school with the necessary funds needed to continue.

For more information regarding our "Letters of Love" campaign and Ahmad Elkhatib and Heba Osman, please visit the following article:

http://lansingcitypulse.com/article-13052-sending-support.html

About Zienab Al-Zubad - The Charity Organizer

Zienab Al-Zubad is the leader of this charity campaign. After completing her Master’s in Education, Zeinab now lives in Mafraq, Jordan. During our last conversation with Zeinab, she informed us that she has been postponing her PhD degree for the past 2 years in order to use her personal funds to provide an education for these children. With your help we will be able be able to support Zeinab’s crucial charity work.