Meet Tariq*!

Tariq, now 10 years old, was born in Syria and spent his early childhood on his grandfather’s land, living the life of a farmer and pastoralist. He helped harvest apricots, apples, and figs while tending to sheep and goats.

In 2021, due to worsening economic and security conditions, Tariq’s family was forced to leave their home and relocate to a refugee camp in Lebanon. Life changed swiftly—he dropped out of school, became depressed, and forgot much of what he had learned.

In 2023, his mother enrolled him in the Skate and Create program offered by Just.Childhood. Through the program, Tariq gradually relearned the Arabic alphabet, writing, and language skills, allowing him to re-enroll in public school.

Skateboarding also played a key role in his transformation. As he learned the basics—pushing, balancing, and new tricks—his confidence grew. He became more focused, disciplined, and engaged. Tariq took pride in cleaning Sanoubar Skatepark with his friends, seeing it as a place where he belongs.

Today, he guides younger children from the Just.Childhood center to the skatepark, a responsibility that his mother says has made him more mature.

And now, Tariq dreams of becoming a paediatrician.

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