Ten Words For Syrian Refugees - They’re Not What You Might Think

This World Refugee Day, 20 June 2014, there are more than 2.8 million Syrian refugees; more refugees are from Syria than from any other country in the world.* Refugees are more than helpless casualties of a violent conflict. They are survivors.

1. Innovative

Via Hannah Maule-ffinch/Tearfund

Living in just a tent in an informal settlement in Jordan, one family crafted a swinging cradle for their 4-month old baby girl.

2. Inventive

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

More than half of the refugees from Syria are children. Most weren't able to bring anything with them, including toys. These boys in Lebanon have made their own spinning tops.

3. Practical

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Mohammed has a chronic kidney disorder and needs an operation on his arm. He fixed the walls of his new ‘house’ to stop water coming in when it rains.

4. Resourceful

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Many refugees are living in informal settlements, making tents out of any suitable materials they can find.

5. Optimistic

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Hawwa was forced to flee to Lebanon with her husband and two children. She is now taking English classes in a nearby church so she can help her sons with their homework.

6. Hospitable

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Most families, despite having so little for themselves, are determined to keep their dignity and hospitality, and serve coffee or tea to guests.

7. Determined

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

The children from this informal settlement in Jordan weren't able to get into local schools; so they started their own.

8. Enterprising

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Shimaz collects bread she finds out on the streets, dries it, and sells it to farmers as chicken feed.

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

Shimaz and her husband saved a few pennies each week for over a year and used their savings to by their 4-year old son his only toy - a bike.

9. Hopeful

Via Hannah Maule-ffinch/Tearfund

On the wall of their bare apartment Deeba’s family drew a map of Syria filled with flowers to remind them and their children of home.

10. Brave

Every refugee has a story of trauma, loss and grief, but they are all doing everything they can to make sure their families are safe until they can go back home.

Via Sara Guy/Tearfund

However bad things seem, these Syrians believe there is always hope for their country.

*According to the UNHCR, there are more than 2.8 million Syrian refugees (as of 16 June 2014).

Tearfund is working with Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan.

All names in this article have been changed.