Recovery in Syria is not easy. The earthquake was just the latest disaster to hit a country that has been ravaged for years by war, embargo and a severe economic crisis. The social fabric, as Domingos Dirceu Franco explained to us in an interview , was already damaged. Lack of food, electricity, diesel, gas, and the inability to cope with the winter cold or the summer heat are just some of the pieces of a dramatic context.
One step after another, one action after another, the RISE program (in which the Emergency Coordination of the Focolare Movement, the AMU and AFN participate) provides concrete support to the most vulnerable people to generate hope in the recovery.
These are some of the latest actions that have been possible thanks to the fundraising campaign launched for the earthquake emergency .
IN AN ORPHANAGE IN LATTAKIA
“What can we do to alleviate the suffering and trauma of those around us?”
This is the question that the young people of the Focolare Movement in the city of Lattakia asked themselves. They wanted to help those who needed it most and those who were most alone. They went to an orphanage and spoke with the director of the facility to find out about the children’s urgent needs. The little guests needed clothes above all. So, with the support of the RISE program, they donated 37 pairs of jeans . But the young people wanted to do something more, something that would give the children moments of joy. That would make them forget the fear of the earthquake and the difficulties of everyday life. They organized a day full of fun activities with games and music. All together, all smiling.
CLOTHING BONUS IN ALEPPO
In the city of Aleppo, volunteers contacted the families of children supported by the Seeds of Hope program to understand their needs. The earthquake only worsened an already precarious economic situation for most of these families. With the support of the RISE program, it was possible to distribute some clothing bonuses for the purchase of clothes for the children . This gesture brought great happiness to the families of Aleppo.
ELDERLY CARE
As you can imagine, war and economic sanctions have caused great poverty in Syria. Thousands of people have emigrated in search of a better life, leaving behind elderly parents in Syria, mostly alone and without assistance . A situation now aggravated by the earthquake. In Aleppo, the RISE program has started a collaboration with the Life Care association to provide assistance to the elderly and people with special needs, through the figures of caregivers , thus also offering them the opportunity to work in a social context where the possibility of finding a job is very low.
A KIT FOR WORKING
Among the many needs in the areas hit by the earthquake is that of allow small professionals to return to work. Many have had their homes and offices damaged or destroyed, including work equipment. It is therefore important to provide support to allow everyone to return to their work. Figures such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, etc., are also essential to start the reconstruction. They were already in short supply before the earthquake, now those few who remained after the war must be put in a position to work. The RISE program has responded to these needs by making a working kit of appliances, a set of basic equipment for each of these professions.
