Post by Concern Worldwide

“I feel as if I have lived for 400 years.” Fatin’s* story in one of great resilience in the face of unimaginable grief, and a stark example of the obstacles millions of refugees face today. Fatin (46) is a mother-of-four from Deir ez-Zor in Syria. After war broke out in her country, she lost her husband in an airstrike and has endured years of conflict and displacement. Along with her family, Fatin has been displaced multiple times since the conflict began in 2013, and she has experienced trauma that no human being should have to live through. “When I look back and reflect, I can hardly believe that all we endured was real,” Fatin tells us. “It was a great tragedy that the people lived through. I remember how the shells rained down around us like heavy rainfall, and how civilians were targeted while we tried to cross the river. I remember my husband’s death, at a time when we desperately needed a man to lead our family and guide us to safety.” Gradually, Fatin began rebuilding her life. A team from Concern, with humanitarian funding from EU in Emergencies, selected her for a training course where she learned how to manage finances and small projects. Fatin has now returned to her former profession as a tailor, and she is passionate about her craft and passing on her skills to her children. “I dream of returning to my home, restoring it, and opening my own workshop where my children can help manage the business. A place where we have a steady supply of materials, never fear running out, and can build a future full of independence and stability.” *Fatin's story is part of our Refugee Week series. Her name has been changed.