ST. LOUIS — In an effort to raise awareness about refugees and displaced people across the world, the 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee named Little Amal is stopping in St. Louis Sunday, Oct. 1.

The public is invited to watch Little Amal at the Gateway Arch beginning at 12:30 p.m., according to the organization, Walk With Amal’s website.

“St. Louis is transformed into a huge musical performance specially for Amal. When she makes a new friend, she realizes she needn’t face her fears alone,” the website states.

St. Louis has been a welcoming place for hundreds of Afghan, Ukrainian and Syrian refugees over the past couple of years. 

In 2022, the International Institute of St. Louis helped 1,010 people resettle and provide resources for 200 Afghans, 293 Ukrainians and nearly 300 other refugees, among others.

The puppet is scheduled to make its way across the nation between Sept. 7 and Nov. 5, 2023, with planned stops in more than 35 towns and cities, according to the Associated Press.

Sunday’s event is in partnership with Dr. Philip A. Woodmore, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, Greater STL, Washington University of St. Louis, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Center of Creative Arts (COCA), Phil Woodmore Singers, PrisonPerforming Arts (PPA), St. Louis Police Choir, St. Louis Women’s Chorale, The Muny, New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, Opera Theater St. Louis, International Institute of St. Louis, St. Louis Mosaic Project, Studio Pointe and Migrantes Unidos.

For more information, click here.