HADAYA is a grass-roots organization dedicated to helping refugees and at-risk youth build a better future through the power of books and play.

HADAYA was originally developed in response to the current Syrian refugee crisis, widely considered to be largest humanitarian disaster since WWII; however, we are concerned with all displaced children, worldwide.  We believe this ‘lost generation’ deserves opportunities to experience moments of joy and fun, and that these moments are invaluable to a child’s overall health, development and well-being.

IMMEDIATE PSYCHOLOGICAL RELIEF

Our aim is to address the immediate psychological needs of these children who form the majority, and most vulnerable portion, of the refugee population by bringing toys that not only provide instant joy but help them overcome distress caused by violence, conflict and displacement.

ALTERNATIVES to VIOLENCE

Not only do we want to remind them that they are not forgotten, we also hope to provide creative alternatives to the violence and exploitation that many of them are subjected to in the camps whilst encouraging positive group behavior and teamwork.

FILLING THE SCHOOL GAP

Most of these children are unable to attend school. There are waiting lists for the precious few that do manage to set up. The children have no tools with which to develop their cognitive or creative skills, which, research tells us, are essential to developmental health. We do this by providing soccer balls , libraries and educational opportunities that support their developmental learning needs.

ELEVATE PUBLIC AWARENESS

We also aim to elevate public awareness around the importance of the humanitarian plight of displaced children around the world through educational exhibits, presentations and community events. 

WHERE WE WORK

We distribute anywhere there are large concentrations of displaced children living in semi-permanent arrangements. We have ongoing projects in: Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Morocco, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria and India.