Tamam and her family had a home in the Syrian countryside where they reared goats; cultivated fruit, vegetables and herbs; and had an olive grove. The conflict came without warning. Armed groups entered her village and cut off the electricity and running water.
Tamam's story: a shattered memory of home
Tamam and her family used to live a quiet life in Syria. She never imagined she would lose it all.
Written by Gideon Heugh
‘My husband, the garden, my home... they're all gone, but I remain.’
A life in ruins
Crops and animals were lost, and food became scarce. Then, one day, Tamam’s husband died too. With no other option, she took her children and they ran for their lives.
A few precious photographs is all that remains of their previous life.
‘My husband, the garden, my home... they're all gone, but I remain,’ says Tamam.
Fragments of hope
Tamam’s home is now two rooms in a slum in Lebanon. It is cramped and dangerous. Life is hard, but there are fragments of hope. Tearfund’s local partner, Tahaddi Education Center, is in the heart of the settlement. They provide schooling, trauma counselling and healthcare, as well as business training. Tamam was invited to join their sewing programme.
Tamam joins other refugees at the Tahaddi Education Center’s sewing programme.
The chance to flourish
Her new skills now provide her with an income, and she can feed her family. Tamam plans to open a workshop to teach others. Now she dreams of the better life she is building for her children. But there are millions of people like Tamam whose lives have been shattered by conflict. Only through the regular gifts of people like you can they flourish again. Please join us today.
Related Stories
-
Trees of life: agroforestry and Tearfund in Nepal
How forests (and Tearfund partners) are helping communities in Nepal be economically and environmentally sustainable.
By Tarryn Pegna | 22 September 2023
-
Myanmar update and the encouraging story of Naw Paw Paw
An uplifting story about overcoming disability amid natural disasters, conflict and economic crisis in Myanmar.
By Tarryn Pegna | 01 September 2023
-
The sweet benefits of honey (in helping beat poverty)
Honey has many health benefits – including helping to beat poverty. Find out how in the sweet story of Ezequiel’s bees.
By Tarryn Pegna | 25 August 2023
-
Trees of life: agroforestry and Tearfund in Nepal
How forests (and Tearfund partners) are helping communities in Nepal be economically and environmentally sustainable.
By Tarryn Pegna | 22 September 2023
-
Myanmar update and the encouraging story of Naw Paw Paw
An uplifting story about overcoming disability amid natural disasters, conflict and economic crisis in Myanmar.
By Tarryn Pegna | 01 September 2023
-
The sweet benefits of honey (in helping beat poverty)
Honey has many health benefits – including helping to beat poverty. Find out how in the sweet story of Ezequiel’s bees.
By Tarryn Pegna | 25 August 2023
-
Trees of life: agroforestry and Tearfund in Nepal
How forests (and Tearfund partners) are helping communities in Nepal be economically and environmentally sustainable.
By Tarryn Pegna | 22 September 2023
-
Myanmar update and the encouraging story of Naw Paw Paw
An uplifting story about overcoming disability amid natural disasters, conflict and economic crisis in Myanmar.
By Tarryn Pegna | 01 September 2023
-
The sweet benefits of honey (in helping beat poverty)
Honey has many health benefits – including helping to beat poverty. Find out how in the sweet story of Ezequiel’s bees.
By Tarryn Pegna | 25 August 2023
Get our email updates
Learn about our work and stay in touch with all things Tearfund. Hear about our news, activities and appeals by email.
Sign up now