For a child like Reem, growing up with a disability in the middle of conflict meant constant struggle. She was just a baby when war in Syria disrupted her life, cutting off access to the medical care she desperately needed. Without treatment, she lost much of her mobility, and struggled to walk without falling.

Her father Mohamed did everything he could, but without financial support, Reem’s condition worsened. The war had left them displaced, struggling to survive—how could they possibly afford costly medical treatment?

“Most of my income is used for food and necessities. I was able to pay for the therapy only when I had extra earnings,” Mohamed said.

Through UNICEF’s cash assistance program for children with disabilities, Reem’s father was able to pay for the physiotherapy that changed her life. Now, she can walk to school on her own, attend classes with her friends, and pursue her passion for fashion design.

Reem’s Story in Pictures

Reem_first_image

Reem was born with a meningocele affecting her ability to walk. She underwent surgery at one year old and began physiotherapy, but treatment stopped in 2011 due to the tightened security situation.

cash assistance program

In 2023, Reem was introduced to UNICEF’s cash assistance program for children with disabilities and assigned her case manager, Esraa. The first cash payment covered Reem’s physiotherapy.

walking ability

Reem’s walking ability has significantly improved. She can now walk to school with minimal assistance from her father or friends.

case manager Esraa

The unconditional cash has also helped Reem’s father support her education and passion in fashion design, buying her materials, fabrics, and new clothes.

fashion designer

“I feel extremely happy when my father buys me new clothes. A fashion designer like me should always be elegant,” Reem says.

But Reem is not alone.  

Across Gaza, Sudan, and beyond, thousands of children with disabilities are trapped in crisis. Many have lost access to life-saving medical care, therapy, and even the basic ability to attend school. Their families are struggling to provide for them—faced with impossible choices between food, shelter, and medical care.  

This is where you can make a difference.   

 

Make the last 10 days count

 

Your generosity during these final, blessed days of Ramadan can transform lives by providing critical support to children and families through UNICEF’s cash assistance program.

 

Cash assistance covers:


✔ Urgent medical treatments and therapy  

✔ Assistive devices like wheelchairs and crutches  

✔ School fees and learning materials  

✔ Daily essentials that help families rebuild their lives  

Why Is It A Good Idea?

 

Humanitarian cash transfers help UNICEF serve children and families better. They are a cost-effective way of quickly getting support to those who need it most. The overall cost of delivering cash assistance is often lower than in-kind assistance, meaning more people can be reached.  

Cash transfers also empower people to make decisions based on their individual situation, allowing recipients to meet their basic needs and restart their livelihoods in a dignified and respectful way. In the longer term, cash transfers can build households’ resilience, strengthening their ability to better cope with shocks and reducing vulnerability to future crises.  

HELP RESTART LIVELIHOODS

 

All children, regardless of ability, have the right to reach their full potential. With your support, we can help more children in Gaza, Sudan, and conflict zones around the world access the care they need to stand, walk, learn, and thrive.

 

 

Disclaimer:

*For clarity on the deductibility of your donations, please consult a tax advisor. UNICEF does not provide tax advice.
**As a United Nations entity enjoying privileges and immunities enshrined in the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, UNICEF does not have a tax registration number in any country because it is not subject to tax on its income in any jurisdiction and because it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any national authority, including any tax authority.
***Please note that the stories of children mentioned (if any) and price point descriptions are to illustrate activities and the change that your donation can make to the lives of vulnerable children. UNICEF, based on the need on the ground, will allocate resources to areas that need funds the most.