The situation on the ground
The civil war in Syria has forced millions of people to flee. In north-eastern Syria in particular, thousands of internally displaced people are living in difficult conditions. Poverty, high unemployment and limited access to clean water, healthcare and electricity characterise their daily lives. Many would like to return to their hometowns, but without support, making a fresh start is almost impossible.
Counselling, return and prospects
The first step is counselling and support. At Welcome Desks in north-eastern Syria, returnees and internally displaced persons receive personalised support with reintegration and job searches. Families who are ready to return to their hometowns also receive targeted financial assistance.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway in a model village to establish long-term prospects, including the implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems, organic farming and the distribution of seeds and livestock, which are generating new income opportunities. Mobile health teams are teaching the population basic hygiene practices and how to safely use water sources.
Arriving Together
So that return is not just a change of location, but a genuine fresh start, a community centre built from ecological materials will also be established. It will serve as a place of encounter and exchange between returnees and communities.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Northeastern and Northwestern Syria: Hassakah, Qamishli, Afrin, and Aleppo |
|---|---|
| Partner | Volkshilfe Solidarität; Kurdish Red Crescent (KRC) / Heyva Sor a Kurd (HSK); Mesopotamia |
| Activities |
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| Duration | January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
| Budget | 122.639 € |
| Sponsor | Aktion Deutschland Hilft |