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Priceless: Grandfather's watch

„I have a watch that I inherited from my grandfather. It’s the only thing I managed to take with me from our destroyed home. This watch is so valuable to me; it’s the only thing left that reminds me of the home I was forced to leave behind after the bombing. I keep it close to me, despite all that we’ve been through.”

Forced to leave home due to the heavy bombardment and destruction

Mohammad Abdul Hamid Daher lives together with his wife Manal and their nine children in a camp near Azaz in the northern countryside. “The tent doesn't protect us from the heat of summer or the cold of winter. We are also suffering from extreme poverty, especially since the camp lacks sufficient aid. I cannot work because of my condition – I lost my hearing. This makes it very hard for my family and me, and we face many psychological, financial, and living challenges”, the 49-year-old reports.

Before he was forced to leave his home due to the heavy bombardment and destruction that hit his village in 2014, Mohammad lived in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. His hearing loss is not the only challenge the family is facing: Two of his children also have various health problems. Rahaf, the 13-year-old daughter, suffers from bone curvature, osteoporosis, and stunted growth. Son Alaa, 10 years old, also has osteoporosis, a hernia on both sides, and broken teeth. “I don’t know what to focus on – getting our daily needs in this difficult camp or worrying about my children's health”, says Mohammad. It is increasingly difficult for him to get help. According to UN figures in October, the winter response plan, which seeks 111.6 million US Dollars to help 1.4 million people cope with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, is only a little over 10 percent funded.

Hope to be able to hear again

The family brought their children to the Shamarikh Health Centre, which is operated by Malteser International's partner organization IDA. ”Since I don’t have any income, this center is our only hope for improving our children’s health. Whenever any of us gets sick, we go to the center, and we receive the necessary tests and medications. We visit the Shamarikh center regularly. Honestly, this center has become an essential part of our lives. We monitor our children’s health with the nutrition department and get the necessary medications free of charge after the doctor’s examination.” The children were admitted to the pediatric clinic, where they were examined and given the necessary medication according to their condition. 

Mohammed is also hoping for an improvement in his health: “I was also admitted to the general clinic for examination. The doctor at the center diagnosed me with chronic hearing loss and referred me to a specialized center for further treatment. I also received the required medication from the center’s pharmacy. I have been referred to a specialized center, and I will soon visit Sajo center to get a hearing aid, which might help me hear again.” 

(October 2024)

Priceless - About objects of immeasurable value

What object is priceless to you? This is what we asked some of the people we were able to support this year: people who have to build a new life with unimaginable strength under the most difficult conditions. The objects they told us about play a central role in their everyday lives. And behind each one is a unique story full of hope and precious memories. This Christmas season, we share these inspiring stories with you and give you the chance to gift a piece of priceless hope with your donation.

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