11-02-2026 | di COOPI

Syria. Hamdan rediscovered his voice

In a shelter center, Hamdan, an 8-year-old boy from Swaida, faced significant challenges with communication. He experienced a speech disorder resulting from recurrent ear infections that led to temporary hearing loss. This condition affected his ability to interact with others and, at times, exposed him to negative comments from his peers. His self-confidence was impacted, and he often felt isolated. His family, navigating the complexities of displacement, observed Hamdan's withdrawal. The natural expressiveness of a child was subdued, and the prospect of clear communication seemed distant for him.

In the framework of the project “Provision of integrated Early Recovery and Protection Assistance to vulnerable populations in Aleppo and Daara Governorates”, funded by the Syria Humanitarian Fund of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale ETS initiated a comprehensive intervention to address Hamdan's needs. The process began with psychological first aid, providing him with a supportive environment to process his experiences. Individual counseling sessions offered personalized guidance to help him manage feelings of isolation and rebuild his self-esteem. A key component was the referral for speech therapy sessions. Therapists worked diligently with Hamdan, focusing on improving his auditory processing and vocal articulation. Concurrently, his family received counseling on the importance of consistent medical follow-up and proper ear care, enabling them to support Hamdan's recovery effectively. In addition, Hamdan’s parents were referred to and began attending sessions in the CST program (Caregiver Skills Training for parents of children with disabilities), enhancing their ability to provide ongoing support and specialized care at home.

Hamdan's progress was steady and encouraging. Through consistent therapy, practice, and the encouragement of his family and therapists, his communication abilities gradually improved. The boy who once struggled to speak began to form sounds, then words, and eventually, sentences. His confidence grew, replacing earlier feelings of apprehension with a developing sense of self-assurance. Today, Hamdan engages more readily with his friends in the shelter. He participates in conversations and activities, demonstrating a newfound comfort in expressing himself. His journey highlights the positive impact of dedicated support and the resilience of individuals facing communication barriers.

Now I can say more words like my friends. I can tell them what I think and what I want to play. It makes me happy.

Hamdan's story serves as a reminder that with appropriate assistance, children can overcome significant challenges and find their voice. It demonstrates the positive impact of dedicated support and the resilience of individuals facing communication barriers, leading to renewed self-confidence and social engagement.

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COOPI has been present in Syria since 2016 and has implemented over 50 projects, reaching more than 700,000 beneficiaries through a multisectoral approach. It delivers emergency response and supports vulnerable populations—particularly internally displaced persons and returnees—through assistance, psychosocial support, and livelihood activities.