Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton (artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company) and Firas Abi Ghanem of UNHCR’s partner NGO Intersos celebrate Ahmad’s 14th birthday with him in his family’s small shelter.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Ahmad, 14, came to Lebanon with his family in 2014. Due to the conflict in Syria he is unable to return home. Ahmad does not attend school and currently works in a bakery, helping to prepare and sell cakes. (c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Ahmad and his family now live in a small shelter provided by a local charity.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Ahmad now works in a bakery owned by his great uncle, Jihad. Previously Ahmad had three other jobs but left as he felt exploited. Although he would rather be in school, Ahmad feels it is important he helps contribute to his family’s meagre income. He takes pride in his work and feels he is learning a useful trade.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Ahmad sells cakes to a passing customer. He works every day.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Cate Blanchett with Ahmad at the Mazboud Community Centre, Chouf, Lebanon. Ahmad is part of a group of young Syrian refugees who have made new friends at the centre having fled war at home. The centre is run by NGO Intersos and is supported by UNHCR. (c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton watch young Syrian refugees participate in a drama workshop on the topic of early marriage at the Mazboud Community Centre, Chouf, Lebanon. Ahmad is on the right.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Ahmad and his friends performing the final scene in a drama they devised themselves on the topic of early marriage. Mazboud Community Centre is run by Intersos with support from UNHCR. The young people plan their next drama to be on the subject of child labour.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015

Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton join young cast members and staff following the drama performance.(c)UNHCR/J.Matas/2015