Chinese female photographer captures life in war-torn Syria

After a two-day stay in Damascus, Li went to the next city Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and commercial center. Although Aleppo was recaptured by government troops from rebels at the end of 2016, most parts of the city were in ruins. "It is a great shock to see the destroyed buildings and ruins along the way with my own eyes." In Aleppo, Li visited a bread factory, medical center and schools with one staff member of World Food Program (WFP), the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide.

What impressed Li was the assistance provided by WFP, particularly its help to schools. By conducting an interview with Abdulrahan Najeh, a WFP staff member, Li learned that WFP launched a school meal plan in Aleppo in March 2017 to encourage more children to receive education while improving their nutritional intake. In addition, WFP would ask children for advice on free meals they were offered to make further improvements. "That really touched me a lot and the love and hope I see in that conflict area lifted my spirits," Li Yue said.