Reema's recovery

When the earthquakes struck northern Syria in Febaruary 2023, Reema was trapped underneath the rubble of her demolished home in Jenderis.

After being rescued, the 14-year-old was rushed to the hospital where one of her legs was amputated below the knee.

With help from the Canadian government through Humanitarian Coalition member Humanity and Inclusion, Reema received intensive rehabilitation and a prosthesis--a new lower leg. The first time she used it, Reema realized she was at the start of a new life where she could achieve her dreams.

"It is an indescribable feeling that I was finally able to return to school," she said. "I was reborn."

Despite all the challenges she faced, Reema showed a full and energetic spirit. Today she gets around without any limitations--thanks, in part, to the psychosocial support she received from Humanity and Inclusion.

According to Duaa, a psychosocial support worker who worked with Reema, "I will never forget my first meeting with her. I made a vow to myself to use all my energy to bring her soul back to life, so that she could achieve her dreams and get back into school."

Reema is just one of many Syrians who received emergency rehabilitation services from Humanity and Inclusion to help them recover from their injuries and amputations, along with psychological support for those traumatized by the disaster. The organization also distributed mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers.

As for Reema, she is grateful for the assistance. "I thank you all from the bottom of my heart," she said, adding "my dream for the future is to continue my education and to be a doctor."