STEP’s Little Friendly Space, located in a Syrian Refugee camp of 10,000 refugees in Iraq near the border with Iran, is a cheerful space of learning, fun, creativity and support. Our Step Centre is made up of cabins and that surround the only green space in the camp. We are ‘an oasis in the middle of the grey’.
The project provides early childhood development and educational activities for refugee children, offering them opportunities to learn through play, build relationships and develop essential life skills in an environment that supports the needs of each child. The activities include structured and targeted psychosocial activities to help children process the impact of generational trauma whilst also giving them the opportunity to be children and play in a safe environment.
The centre includes children with additional educational needs, bringing diversity and reducing isolation – making sure that no child is left behind. The purpose of the Little Friendly Space is building resilience, learning and preparing children for formal education so that they are better prepared for school and more likely to succeed long-term. The project also works with parents to equip them to support their children to develop, learn and reach their potential.
