Hanan Walid Hassan is a Syrian Refugee, originally from Aleppo city. Like many Syrian refugees, Hanan struggles to provide for her family. She is displaced, a widowed mother of 4, and depends on humanitarian aid to survive. This is how Islamic Relief helped her during Ramadan and beyond.

My name is Hanan Walid Hassan. After my husband passed away two and a half years ago. I moved to live near my family, as I have no one to rely on after God but them.

I have four children. We all live in a single room, along with a small space that we have turned into a kitchen and basic facilities.

For years, life was extremely difficult for us. We depended on the humanitarian aid that reached us, but I was unable to provide my children with basic necessities such as food, drink, and clothing.

Ramadan was especially harsh—we would go days without Suhoor. We fasted the entire day only to break our fast with leftovers or whatever our neighbours shared with us. It broke my heart that I couldn’t return their dishes filled as they had given them to me.

My children would ask for foods they craved, like meat or chicken, but I simply couldn’t afford them. Even during Eid, I would cry because I couldn’t buy new clothes or holiday sweets for my children—or even offer anything to guests.

My children also suffer from health issues. One of them has asthma and requires special care, particularly in winter when the cold worsens his condition. Another child has a deviated nasal septum and needs surgery to improve his health.

After the Islamic Relief team visited us, our lives changed for the better. My four orphaned children were sponsored, and now I can provide for them. We can secure our basic household needs, buy new clothes for Eid, and even enjoy holiday sweets.

This Ramadan, for the first time, we have planned our meals in advance and made a list of dishes to prepare. We have even put up decorations for Ramadan.

Now, I can share meals with my neighbours, just as they once shared with me. This sponsorship has given me strength. I can now leave my home with confidence and welcome guests as well.

Our situation has improved, but we still face challenges. The owners of this house will soon return, and we will have to leave, but we have nowhere else to go. I cannot move far from my family, which makes me constantly worry about how I will secure a home for my children.

Another major concern is their education. I want them to study in the best schools, but the costs are overwhelming. Private school fees are high, and the overall expenses of education are difficult to cover.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to improving our lives. I pray that they are blessed with goodness and provision for their generosity in helping us and supporting these orphans.