The impact of the Seeds of Hope project on health in Syria
This Syrian man, Aziz , proudly talks about himself, his health problems, and the care and attention he received through the Seeds of Hope project in Syria. This welcome has resulted in a significant improvement in his health—a rare feat in his country, which suffers from a severe shortage of medical care.
Physiotherapy and autonomy: the role of the Step Center
“Following an accident, I developed a disc disease that damaged the nerves in my feet,” Aiziz explains, showing his damaged foot to emphasize his difficulty moving. Yet now he’s better: he wears a brace that allows him to stand and walk. The brace was given to him by the Step Center, the physiotherapy center supported by Seeds of Hope in the city of Homs: “I can’t do without it anymore; I wear it all the time, even at home. It’s become an indispensable aid.”
Since this center took charge of his health, everything has changed for Aziz: “They welcomed me with great kindness, making me feel at ease. I have a physiotherapist who even comes to my house to give me recovery exercises.”
Beyond physical care: the importance of psychological support
Psychological and physical aspects run parallel in the care the Step Center offers its patients. Aziz knows this from his own experience.
For this reason, she now wants this to be clear to her entire community: “I would like to send a message to all of Syrian society, especially given the circumstances we live in: psychological care and support help a person continue their life. Just as medicine heals a wound, the encouragement and perspective that psychological treatment offers bring relief. You can overcome any illness, whatever it is, if you are strong enough.”
Thanks to this psychological support, Aziz has learned to live with his physical disability. This is his greatest success. And it is to the kids at the Step Center that he owes his gratitude: “A heartfelt thank you to all the therapists who cared for me. Their support was essential in helping me regain my well-being and the strength to move forward.”
And he adds: “I won’t stop. Despite the physical challenges, I choose to move forward with determination. Thanks to the psychological support and treatment I received, I have found the inner strength to fight for my independence. I want to live life to the fullest, relying on the strength of my mind.”