Education fills a child with dreams and hope for the future. It is the foundation for a better life.

In Syria, this is not the case. War has divided the country, causing widespread unrest and the closure of schools.

More than 2.2 million children in Syria do not go to school. These children find it hard to imagine a future without violence.

Um Amr is trying to change that. She is the headmistress of a primary school in Homs, a hot spot for anti-government unrest.

The mother of four, who has six grandchildren, keeps the school open for children in the community. It is a risky task: She crosses conflict lines twice every day.

“We cannot abandon the generations of tomorrow. This is my home,” she explains.

These simple words belong to a remarkable woman. Her school’s purpose is far larger than its physical structure. It is a haven for children to play, share, and even if its just for awhile, bask in the joy of learning.