Laura Carmichael was a long way from Downton Abbey during a recent trip to Lebanon. The actress from the British period drama set out in her role as an A World at School Ambassador to tackle a 21st century challenge – helping Syrian refugee children who are unable to get an education because of conflict in their country.
“I metchildren who have had everything taken from them because of the conflict ragingin their country,” she shares with HELLO! in a statement. “They have left theirhomes and schools and are separated from friends and families.”
CLICK PHOTO FOR MORE OF LAURA'S TRIP WITH A WORLD AT SCHOOL
Photo: A World at School
The 28-year-old,who has joined the campaign calling on world leaders to back funding thatensures their education, recounted the tragic stories of the many families she had the opportunity to meet: “I spoke to mothers who were scared fortheir children’s future, desperate for them to have an education to give themfreedom to rebuild their lives.”
During her tripto Bekaa Valley, Laura witnessed firsthand the thousands of refugees living intented settlements. Almost all of the children there are out of school, whichleads them to become trapped in child labor, early marriage or radicalization. “Ispoke to a mother who told me her two sons had once dreamed of being teachersand doctors were now laboring every day in order to support their family,” she mentioned. “You could hear the sadness in her voice that her children werebearing the brunt of the war. It was clear from everyone I spoke to that goingto school would provide some hope and a chance to rebuild their lives.”
Photo: A World at School
Currently, thanksto a new deal between the international community and the Lebanese government,200,000 spaces will open in public schools at the start of the school year.This will be accomplished by a ‘double shift’ system where Lebanese children willattend in the mornings with Syrian children being taught in the afternoons.
“The classroomfelt so positive and the children energized,” Laura said of her visit toone of the schools. “I spoke to Sharbel, who had been out of school for twoyears and is now in full time schooling. He told me he wanted to be a pilot,and it was wonderful to think his dream could be a reality.”
Photo: A World at School
Although this isa great stride, there are still thousands of children in Lebanon and millionsaround the world who are denied an education because they live in conflict oremergency affected areas. In 2014, only one per cent of humanitarian funds wentto education.
“We must ensuregenerations of children in Syria and around the world don’t pay the price ofneedless wars, earthquakes and other emergencies because their education isneglected,” Laura concluded. “We need to join together and make a call toensure world leaders listen to the needs of the most vulnerable children in theworld.”
To join Laura andA World at School’s cause, click here.
WATCH LAURA'S VISIT BELOW:
