Eight years of war in Syria has devastated the entire country. But instead of recounting hardships, these Syrian girls living in Jordan talk about their dreams, ambitions, abilities…and their favorite things.

Since arriving in Turlock from Syria in May 2016, Alnabolsi and his wife, Monira Alzin, have gone for walks around Donnelly Park and made themselves familiar with the city’s different stores. He’s passed his driving test, and the couple has gone sightseeing in San Francisco. So far, they’ve made a home for themselves here in the United States, but one thing is missing: their son.

With funding from the EU, the IRC helps young Syrian girls in Lebanon counter gender-based violence and prejudice. Meet Sabah, the girl who freed herself from a forced marriage at the age of 13.

Mariela Shaker is a refugee from Aleppo, one of more than 4.8 million Syrians who have fled the brutal war that has engulfed the country for six years. Her home is largely in ruins, and she describes the city as a slaughterhouse, but her entire family is still there, struggling to survive. The 26 year old’s incredible musical talent earned her a full scholarship to study in the United States—and a reprieve from the violence.

With the help of the IRC’s EU-funded safe spaces, Ameera can have a support network to deal with the aftermath of displacement and war.

"I feel that I and the camera are inseparable. Wherever I go, it must be." Ten years ago, Hamida was forced to start her life again after her family left Syria due to conflict.

Kurdish-Syrian refugees, Maasom and Hiba were living in a refugee camp in Iraq when their daughter Nasrin was born. She seemed like a normal, healthy baby … until her skin turned blue. They brought Nasrin to England, where she underwent surgery for a life-threatening heart condition. “When Nasrin got treated, it was a wonderful feeling,” says Maasom. “We can’t believe that she has recovered.”

With the IRC’s support, Nour, a Syrian refugee living in Jordan, was able to envision her future as a lawyer. Photographer Meredith Hutchison shares her story.

A Syrian mother stopping with her family on the island of Lesbos, Greece — one of more than half a million desperate people who have fled to Europe this year from countries in chaos.

This report builds on the International Rescue Committee’s previous reports "In Search of Work" and "Still In Search of Work", which reviewed progress on livelihoods commitments made by host and donor countries through the Jordan Compact from 2016 to mid 2018.