Lana and the Bright Hope

In one of Gaza's areas, where simple families lived amidst difficult circumstances, Lana Maysara Amer Al-Wadiya was born. Lana is seven years old, and everyone knows her for her great love for learning and her endless curiosity. Lana always asks about everything around her and loves exploring the world she lives in, even though it is full of challenges.

In her modest home, Lana always saw her mother busy working to provide for the family, while at the same time, her mother taught her how science and hope could open doors to the future. Lana loves reading books and dreams of becoming a teacher one day, to teach the young children in her city and help them overcome the challenges they face.

One day, while Lana was playing with her friends in the neighbourhood, there was a violent bombing in the area. They heard the explosions getting closer and everyone ran to the shelters for safety. Despite her fear, Lana remembered her mother's words: "Lana, never forget that hope is our strength in facing everything. No matter what the circumstances are, remember that you have the power to endure."

When they reached the shelter, Lana saw many children who were terrified. But she smiled at them and said, "Don’t be afraid, everything will be fine. We have hope in our hearts, and that’s what helps us endure everything." Her innocent, child like words brought calm to the place, and the children started to feel safe and at ease.

Days passed, and life gradually returned to normal. People returned to their destroyed homes and began to rebuild. Lana didn’t feel sadness; instead, she felt determined to move forward. She helped her family fix their home, and at the same time, she continued to dream of becoming a teacher. She never stops thinking about how to help children who had gone through what she had, imagining herself teaching them and showing them how to face life's challenges.

Lana hopes to earn  her teaching degree, and begin teaching children in her city. She has one dream: to give hope to the children who had gone through similar experiences and teach them that hope is the path to the future.