We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent private movie event held on February 3, 2024, at the prestigious Taipei Governor’s Theatre. This unique gathering brought together people from diverse backgrounds and ages, united in their quest to learn and raise awareness about global issues through the power of cinema.

Prior to the screening of the captivating French animation film “Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo,” we initiated a thought-provoking session on “Children’s International Perspective.” Our goal was to ignite discussions and delve deeper into topics such as #war and #refugees, which often silently impact lives worldwide but are not encountered in our daily routines.

The event was organized by the Taiwan International Refugee Education Support Association (SSSP – Small School Support Project), which not only supports refugee education but also strives to bring the depth of these issues to people worldwide. Through our regular updates on the Rukban/Death Refugee Camp, we have been sharing information online, including texts, photos, and videos. However, this time, we had the incredible opportunity to experience it firsthand.

This event marked a significant milestone for SSSP, as it was the first of its kind organized in Taiwan, with an attendance of approximately 500 people. Among them were parents, grandparents, and even a 4-year-old child, accompanied by their families, who were eager to participate and learn. It was heartening to witness the overwhelming response from the community, with tickets for the Taipei event nearly sold out within two weeks, and the Taichung event selling out within a day due to limited seating. This remarkable turnout not only highlighted the success of the event but also demonstrated that many parents in Taiwan genuinely care about international issues and are eager to engage in meaningful conversations. The presence of such a diverse audience, ranging from young children to elderly grandparents, further emphasized the widespread concern for refugee education and the desire to understand and support those in need.

During the event, we began by examining a world map, highlighting areas affected by conflicts and wars and pinpointing the protagonist’s home in the movie, Syria. The intention was to encourage reflection and stimulate critical thinking by posing the fundamental question, “What is war?”

One of the most common questions posed to Lara, our esteemed speaker, was how to help children comprehend the harsh realities of war, considering that it remains distant from their daily lives. Through the use of real-life footage displayed during the event, we witnessed the profound impact it had on every attendee, both children and adults alike. The expressions on your faces spoke volumes—empathy, compassion, and motivation were palpable. This event’s original intent was to incite these emotions and create a platform for dialogue, ultimately bringing visibility to the refugee issue.

In addition to the movie screening and discussions, we also initiated an initiative called “Building Bridges of Friendship Through Cards.” Recognizing the challenges faced by those confined and unable to attend, we extended our support. Moreover, for those fortunate enough to have escaped the hardships, we seized the opportunity to foster connections. Lara, in collaboration with the NGO we previously partnered with, facilitated the exchange of heartfelt cards between Syrian and Taiwanese children. By including photographs of the card owners, we aimed to humanize the interaction, allowing the recipients to see the faces of those reaching out to them.

The messages written by the children in Taiwan were heartwarming and truly captured the essence of empathy and friendship:

– “Are you OK? Don’t give up!”
– “Hi, I’m Jimmy. I like to play basketball. What about you?”
– “Nice to meet you! I hope we can be friends!”

These messages remind us that what children need most is not just academic success but also the ability to care for others, empathize with them, and extend a helping hand. These qualities are the foundation of our humanity and the building blocks of a compassionate and civilized society.

At SSSP, our mission extends beyond sharing tragic stories. We aim to foster an understanding of the root causes of these problems, develop empathy within individuals, and empower them to generate practical solutions. Through the guided screening of “Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo,” we not only learned about the tragic origins and felt the pain and difficulties faced by refugees but also explored potential avenues for creating positive change. Education plays a pivotal role in this process.

We educate our children to embrace empathy and become agents of positive change.

We educate injured children to find resilience and cultivate self-reliance.

This year, we are thrilled to announce the official establishment of the Taiwan International Refugee Education Support Association (SSSP – Small School Support Project). Our mission is to support individuals and educational institutions that have been overlooked or lack essential resources. We invite each and every one of you to lend your support through attention, sharing, and practical actions.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the children who actively participated in this event, regardless of their age. With your unwavering support and commitment, let us join hands and work together to make the world a better place for everyone.