Syrian refugee giant puppet arrives in Belfast

Amal is an international symbol of hope for young people fleeing conflict

Little Amal has travelled to 15 countries and been welcomed by around two million people
Published 18th May 2024
Last updated 18th May 2024

A giant child puppet that represents children fleeing war, violence and persecution across the world has arrived in Belfast.

Little Amal is a 12ft puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee.

Since 2021, Amal - which means hope in Arabic - has travelled to 160 towns and cities in 15 countries and been welcomed by an estimated two million people.

On Friday, the puppet made an appearance at a peace wall in Belfast that separates the nationalist Falls Road with the unionist Shankill Road.

Children from St Mary's Primary School on the Falls side of the wall and Malvern Primary School on the Shankill side joined together to greet Amal and an identical puppet and exchange flowers with them.

Amal will take part in a number of events in Belfast over the weekend, before making the short journey to County Londonderry.

Check out more pics of Little Amal in Belfast👇

Presented by The Walk Productions, in association with Handspring Puppet Company and local partner ArtsEkta, Little Amal represents all children fleeing war, violence and persecution and, since her creation in 2021, she has travelled to 160 towns and cities in 16 countries and been welcomed in person by over two million people.











Read more:

West Belfast: boy (8) makes wildlife discovery on school trip

The Script announce show in Belfast with special guest Tom Walker

Cultra: Death of woman whose body was found on beach not being treated as suspicious

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.  Â