Categories: Editorial

WATCH: 15 children from around the world share moving poems about life in lockdown


by Shayna Sappington
11th Jun 2020

Save the Children asked 15 children from 15 different countries to share their experience about life in lockdown and the results are heartwarming


When lockdown measures were suddenly put in place, children everywhere had their life turned upside down.

Schools were closed, playdates prohibited and the routine that many kids rely on was gone.

Yet many little ones have remained positive, focusing on the fun things they can do when lockdown ends and the world begins to return to normal.

Children’s charity Save the Children asked 15 kids from 15 different countries to express their lockdown experience through poetry, sharing their hopes and fears.

A global perspective

From places like the United States, Italy, Peru, Colombia, Gaza, Yemen, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, these children use their poems to bring to life the experiences of living through this pandemic.

14-year-old Maya from Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan wrote:

“Where’s the school? Where are the classes?

 And my friends, and the teacher asking us about our homework.

Empty and sad streets.

And the playgrounds are as if they’re asking about us.

Corona, tomorrow you will see.

Our dreams, our awareness and our will, shall bring us victory over you.”

And Lincoln (age 11) from the UK said:

“When it is safe, I’ll hold my arms open wide,

and shout to the world we can all go outside! 

Don’t give up hope the end is in sight,

if we all stick together, we’ll all win this fight!”

United in hope

“These powerful poems show the enormous impact coronavirus has had on children’s lives, as well as their strength, resilience, and hopes for the future,” commented Yolande Wright, Save the Children’s Director of Inclusion.

“It is so important we listen to children directly during these unprecedented times—we are not all affected equally, and children can be particularly vulnerable.”

Despite all their differences, these children are facing the same struggles and they remain united in their amazing capacity for hope. 

Watch the full video below:

Feature image: savethechildren.org

 

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