Ep 1. Children of War: Syrian Refugee Kids

In the first episode of season 19 of Nick News, titled "Children of War: Syrian Refugee Kids," young journalist and host, Linda Ellerbee takes viewers on a journey into the lives of Syrian refugee children, who have fled their country due to the ongoing civil war.

Throughout the episode, Ellerbee speaks with children who have been forced to leave their homes and the only lives they have ever known. She meets with children who have witnessed the violence firsthand and experienced the pain of losing loved ones. She also speaks with children who have made the difficult journey to safety, often facing dangerous conditions and risking their lives in the process.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to 13-year-old Alaa, who loves soccer and used to live in Syria with his family. However, after a bomb destroyed their home, they were forced to leave. Alaa and his family now live in a refugee camp in Lebanon, where they share a tiny tent with six others. Despite the difficult living conditions, Alaa remains optimistic and dreams of returning to Syria one day and playing soccer once again.

Ellerbee also visits the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, which is home to around 80,000 Syrians, many of them children. There, she speaks to 12-year-old Rawan, who attends a school in the camp run by UNICEF. Rawan tells Ellerbee about the struggles of being a refugee, including feeling like an outsider and experiencing discrimination. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful and determined to succeed.

Throughout the episode, Ellerbee also touches on the psychological impact of war and displacement, and the challenges that refugees face when it comes to accessing healthcare and education. She speaks with experts and aid workers who are on the ground helping to support children and their families.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Ellerbee meets with siblings Omar, 7, and Amena, 10, who fled Syria with their parents after their home was bombed. Omar and Amena's father tells Ellerbee that they had to carry their children across the desert for miles, with no food or water, to reach safety. Despite their harrowing experience, Omar and Amena are now attending school in Jordan and enjoying being kids again.

As the episode comes to a close, Ellerbee reflects on the courage and resilience of the children she has met, as well as the importance of supporting refugees and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives. She encourages viewers to learn more about the ongoing war in Syria and to get involved in supporting refugees in any way they can.

Overall, "Children of War: Syrian Refugee Kids" is a poignant and eye-opening episode of Nick News that shines a spotlight on the experiences and struggles of Syrian refugee children. By sharing their stories, Ellerbee and the young journalists who contribute to the show help to raise awareness and inspire action when it comes to supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict.