Children have paid a heart-breaking price for more than a decade of conflict, economic collapse and the disintegration of society in Syria.

 Fear, insecurity, displacement, disease and poverty have left more than 7m youngsters in need, with around 2.5m out of school. They are acutely at risk of abuse, exploitation, hunger, child labour and marriage, and being dragged into crime and armed struggles.

 Which makes Picturing Peace a remarkable testimony to the resilience, hope and desire for reconciliation among those who are the future of this troubled region.

 All were painted by Syrian children aged 9-12, as part of Awareness Foundation’s Little Heroes programme. Through therapeutic teaching, play, art, music and sports, Little Heroes seeks to rebuild those shattered childhoods.

 Working with Syrian artist Nizar Sabour, the children were asked to envisage what peace means to them.

 We think that the result is dazzling. For children whose lives have been consumed by so much trauma, they are beautiful and inspiring pleas for a brighter tomorrow.

 They are also a reminder that conflict is not inevitable in the Middle East. So many people want an end to it, and to rebuild their fractured communities. There is a young generation that yearns for peace – and can picture it.

 ‘Our children in Syria are true Little Heroes, who are able to turn their trauma into creative power.’

The Rev’d Nadim Nassar, Executive Director of Awareness Foundation

 For more information scan the QR cpde, visit https://awareness-foundation.com/little-heroes/ or email middleeast@awareness-foundation.com