A TEACHING assistant has seen for himself how his school has helped bring comfort to Syrian refugees seeking sanctuary in Jordan.

Pupils and staff at Olive Tree Primary School in Daubhill raised funds for a winter warmth appeal to help the refugees who have fled their war-torn homeland.

Teaching assistant, Junaid Chapti travelled to the refugee camp and spent seven days there to see how the donations were making a difference with charity Al-Imdaad Foundation.

The money raised helped to buy blankets and new shelter homes for the Syrian families forced to live in tents and camps amid freezing conditions. Educational packages were also distributed.

Mr Chapti said: “The weather was sub-zero in the morning and evenings. They had makeshift tents and welcomed us with such warmth and politeness.

“I was an emotional wreck when I saw the condition of the orphans and widows. It was very touching to see even though they had next to nothing and were on rations that they still prepared hot traditional tea for the team. This family received a shelter home that same night.”

The Olive Tree Primary School also donated a shelter home and now houses a widow and orphans.

Mr Chapti said: “I was so happy that they had hope in their hearts after receiving basic necessities and their new home.”

In another camp Mr Chapti met doctors and electrical engineers who had to flee from their country to get their family to safety.

He said: “I had many sleepless nights thinking of the trials and tribulations these people went through.”

Mr Chapti added: “In the disability and orphanage centre we would play in the park with the children and spend quality time with them.

“Receiving sweets and educational packages, along with food parcels and blankets — they would be so grateful something that we all in the UK take for granted.

“This experience has changed my life and I look at life from a different perspective. We need to appreciate what we have before it becomes what we had. The memories will stay with me forever.

“My intention is to carry out more charity work hopefully for the rest of my life.

“We need to work together to strive to serve humanity regardless of race, religion and culture.”

As the Syrian crisis enters its sixth year,13.5 million people are said to require humanitarian assistance, including 4.9 million people in need trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas.

And children and young people comprise more than half of the displaced, as well as half of those in need of humanitarian assistance.

Country Director of the Al-Imdaad Foundation which co-ordinated the appeal, Abdussamad Mulla said: “The response has been fantastic from the school and we would like to thank each and every person that took part in this noble cause. We were able to deliver winter warmth at a time when it was most needed.”