Saltana and her family were forced to flee their home in southern Lebanon due to the escalation in hostilities. When we met her, she and her family were staying in a school shelter with other displaced families.
“I need something to give me psychological relief—at least a job that will allow me to provide for my needs.”
Dubai Cares’ implementing partner in Lebanon is helping families who were forced to flee their homes, like Saltana’s, by providing child protection activities and psychosocial support in collective shelters.
I am Sultana from southern Lebanon. We used to live a normal life, working and feeling good. After the war [started], work in our area was severely affected.
Work became barely available, so three months before displacement, I had to open a vegetable shop to cover the financial shortfall we were experiencing. We had just established the shop when everything was destroyed. We woke up at 2 a.m. to heavy air raids. Airstrikes everywhere. We didn’t know what to do. We packed our belongings and fled.
Sixteen hours on the road, not knowing where we were heading. We just wanted to get our sons to a safe place We were directed to a school. They welcomed us here, and we were grateful. There were 33 of us in one room.
The place was overcrowded, with around 700 people, which created a lot of pressure.
Of course, everyone had needs. Some didn’t bring winter clothes. We fled in such a hurry and couldn’t take everything we needed.
The most important thing is water, which isn’t always available. Sometimes, we wake up in the morning
with no water, and sometimes we find none by afternoon. How will we get through the day without water? The weather is still relatively warm now, but when winter comes, we will need heating and hot water.
There’s also the need for food. In the beginning, we were receiving food daily, thanks to individual initiatives, perhaps. But now, we only receive food once a week.
We buy food at our own expense. We are currently unemployed. If the war and this situation continue, how will we survive?
I am 44 years old, and I’ve aged. My main concern is my children's future. My daughter is in her second year of dental school, and my son is about to start university.
Where are we heading? Of course, we’re scared. I fear for tomorrow. I can’t change the past, but I’m afraid of what the future holds. I don’t know what to do. How long will we remain here? What will happen in a month or two? Staying here isn’t a solution.
This isn’t the first war. I also suffered from war and displacement in my childhood, living near the frontlines.
Thank you to everyone who has stood by us and cared for us.