Little Amal

One little girl. One big hope.

This 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees. Since July 2021, Little Amal has travelled over 5,500 miles to 94 towns and cities in 14 countries and been welcomed by more than a million people on the street, including hundreds of artists, civic, and faith leaders, as well as by tens of millions online. Her journeys are festivals of art and hope that draw attention to the huge numbers of children fleeing war, violence and persecution, each with their own story. Her urgent message to the world is “Don’t forget about us.”

Join us in welcoming Amal to Chicago!
A FREE event on Thursday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m.

• Before Amal arrives, stop by Chicago Children’s Museum from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for its puppet-themed Free Family Day 
• Amal’s visit begins at 5:30 p.m. by Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s marquee on the main level of Navy Pier, with a traditional welcome by the Syrian Community Network
• She moves on to engage with performers from A.B.L.E. near Navy Pier's Wave Wall
• She is celebrated by Move Me Soul’s Youth Ensemble who teach Amal some of their favorite dance steps
• During a stop outside Chicago Children’s Museum, Amal will greet the 16‑foot‑tall “Flyboy” sculpture by Chicago artist Hebru Brantley
• Her visit concludes in Polk Bros Park, as more than 70 members of the youth choir Uniting Voices perform their original song “We All Live Here” 

Get Involved

As we welcome Amal to Chicago, we encourage you to learn more about the experiences of newcomers like her. These resources offer options to donate, volunteer, and more.

Syrian Community Network
SCN was formed to create a community, and ease the transition of newly arrived refugees as they acclimate to life in the United States. As a voice of immigrants and refugees, SCN champions refugee resettlement by dismantling local, national and international resettlement barriers, and stabilizing and procuring support for refugees. SCN is actively seeking volunteers to act as family support, to work in their afterschool and online homework programs, and to serve as youth and adult mentors! For more information or to get involved, email volunteers@syriancommunitynetwork.org.

The Amal Fund
Amal’s Creative team has established The Amal Fund with Choose Love. Making a donation to this fund supports grassroots groups including those who provide academic training and education, as well as supplying people with food, shelter, and medical services.

Onward Neighborhood House
A community hub that provides support, resources, and assistance to all who need a helping hand, Onward Neighborhood House began its work in West Town in 1893. Today, it proudly serves the northwest side of Chicago, providing educational opportunities for all ages, food and basic supplies, and medical support to migrants during this crisis. Make a donation.

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal law. You can make a difference in the life of an unaccompanied immigrant child by serving as a Volunteer Child Advocate or by making a donation. Follow to learn more Instagram • Facebook • X/Twitter

New Vecinos
Donate to the Little Village New Life Center’s New Vecinos’ Welcome Hope Campaign to help move new arriving families into their homes and provide meals to respite centers. They are also looking for volunteers for One-On-One Mentoring and Their Youth Empowerment Program: New Vecinos.