Syria: years of war This PowerPoint could be used in an assembly before or after an RE or Citizenship lesson, discussing the latest developments around Syria. Students could research using reliable sites, such as BBC News, and CAFOD’s blog (http://blog.cafod.org.uk/?s=Syria), and compare a selection of newspaper articles. Use the CAFOD Flame 2 film ‘Walking Together’ to explore how young people are working for peace in the Middle East https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G5YX2CACfE The following discussion questions may be useful: Read Bishop Antoine Audo’s account of Christmas in Aleppo. (http://blog.cafod.org.uk/2014/12/24/christmas-in-aleppo/)  What do you think about his message of peace? Where do you see hope in his account? How would you feel if you had to flee your country? How would you envisage your future? Do other nations have a moral obligation to provide help to Syrian refugees? Why/why not? Should foreign countries intervene in this conflict, either directly or by providing weapons to one side or the other? Why/why not? What might be the possible results of such action? Pope John XXIII wrote: “There is nothing human about a society that is welded together by force.” (Pacem in Terris, 34). What are the implications of this Catholic Social Teaching? What did the Pope mean by ‘human’? If force cannot be used to bind society together, what can?

In Syria, there is still fighting between the government and people who disagree with them. More than 11 million people have been driven from their homes. That’s the same number of people who live in Wales, Birmingham and Manchester. Millions of people do not have enough food, water or healthcare.

CAFOD supporters have raised more than £2.8 million to help the people of Syria, so we have been able to help thousands of people.

Because CAFOD is part of the global Catholic Church, we can provide help through churches inside Syria. Few other agencies can work in Syria. Our partners provide supplies, like food and medicine, and help people to find safe places to stay.

In 2015, every day more than 10,000 people fled from Syria to nearby countries. We are helping refugees in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan to find food, medical support, clothes and safe places to stay.

Abir and Tony fled to Lebanon from Syria in 2011 Abir and Tony fled to Lebanon from Syria in 2011. CAFOD has helped them with medical care for their three children who were born very early and needed care.

Abdulrahman and Douad were living in a basement in Syria with their family to shelter from the bombs. They fled to Lebanon for safety in 2012.

In Turkey, our partner gave coloured pencils and paper to some of the Syrian children. Many drew pictures of war.

One father said: “The children saw and experienced terrible things so it is good for them to come here. It’s a good opportunity to play with other children because they have not had an easy time.”

the other children. The toys here are really good!” Abdallah, 8 “I really miss my school in Syria and I miss all my friends. I was good at school but I had to leave it. But I really like playing with the other children. The toys here are really good!” Abdallah, 8

Here in Turkey, in a safe place, surrounded by friends, some children are starting to draw happier pictures.

After fleeing to Jordan, Rahaf’s family heard that their house had been burned down. She and her family were helped by CAFOD partner, Caritas Jordan.

Now Rahaf helps others: “Here in Caritas, I felt the spirit of love. I felt their mission and it was close to my heart... I just want to help Syrians, especially the children.”

Let’s shine a light of hope for the people of Syria by keeping them in our prayers, and remind our MPs that we need to help them.

God of light, We pray for our neighbours in Syria affected by conflict and walking in the shadow of darkness. Pour upon all of us your glorious light of hope, a warm ray of light to heal our hearts. We pray that the fighting may cease, and that all may be blessed by you. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.