With over 13 years of conflict and an ongoing economic crisis, the Syrian population is facing severe challenges in accessing basic services and job opportunities due to inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure and poor-quality market spaces. The country’s situation is further exacerbated by a severe drought that puts additional strain on a decimated agricultural system.
Syria has been facing high inflation rates and shortages of basic products, including fuel. The crisis highly affected the labor market, with high unemployment rates and families suffering from a lack of income, while the prices of food and goods on the market are increasing. With a population relying on agriculture as one of the main sources of income, the repeated droughts and poor agricultural management over the decades have left the country more vulnerable than ever.
Through funding from the Crisis and Support Centre of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (CDCS), Acted has been supporting the resilience of conflict-affected communities in Syria for over 12 months through the provision of tailored assistance which responds to local communities’ key needs and priority solutions.
Through the contribution of CDCS, Acted was able to rehabilitate key productive assets, enhance access to electricity sources and support short- and long-term livelihood opportunities for vulnerable populations in Syria.
Acted distribution and installation of solar systems for displaced families, June 2024
To support vulnerable communities, Acted identified key productive assets and public facilities for rehabilitation. This included the maintenance and rehabilitation of one local bakery, supporting the access of local populations to subsidized bread.
Moreover, Acted supported internally displaced populations that do not have access to the public electricity grid by providing household level solar systems.
Ahmed*, is a 50-year-old that has been internally displaced since 2015. Ahmed and his family of nine were one of the 200 households supported with the distribution of solar systems to enhance their access to sustainable electricity sources.
“I support my family through daily work when I am able to find the opportunity. In the summer, I work in farming and in the winter, I work in loading warehouses. I suffer greatly from the lack of job opportunities in my area due to the deteriorating living conditions, rising prices and limited job opportunities. I also suffer from chronic migraines, but I am required to provide for my family’s daily needs”
To support Ahmed’s community, Acted organized dialogue sessions with the residents of the area to assess their needs and found that supporting access to electricity will enhance the living conditions of displaced households, including their protection and safety levels.
Acted provided the residents of my community with solar energy systems, alleviating some of the burdens of our daily lives. As my community did not have sustainable access to electricity, Acted intervened and addressed the problem. This supported families to have their own electricity supply, enabling us to operate our household appliances as needed and easing our financial burden.
As access to livelihoods opportunities remains one of the main needs for vulnerable Syrian households, Acted aimed to support job opportunities to empower local populations in meeting their needs and enhancing their access to products and markets.
Through this project, Acted supported long term livelihoods through providing financial and technical support, including business management and agricultural training to micro, small and medium enterprises within the agricultural sector.
Acted additionally provided short-term income generating opportunities by supporting vulnerable individuals through cash-for-work schemes. These schemes aim to provide temporary income to meet the needs of these vulnerable individuals, while implementing activities that enhance the living conditions within their community.
Lina* is a 45-year-old that has been internally displaced since 2017. Lina is a domestic worker and helps in supporting her four children alongside her husband.
Workers hired for short-term income generation conducting repair works for public schools, April 2024
I have been displaced with my family to many areas since the start of the conflict and we have suffered a lot to provide ends-meet for our children.
Under this project, Acted hired 50 individuals to conduct cleaning and repair works for public facilities within their communities, in addition to conducting waste management awareness campaigns.
“I felt overwhelming happiness when I learned that I was selected to be a part of the Cash-for-Work program through Acted because I knew I would receive a salary to support my family to buy our basic needs. This program helped many families in paying off their debts, as well as purchasing and securing their basic needs. It also contributed to improving our village through renovating schools, thereby ensuring a suitable educational environment for students. I think such projects should be implemented more often to support underprivileged families in the area”
Workers hired for short-term income generation conducting repair works for public schools, April 2024
As Syria continues to suffer from protracted crises, the implementation of projects that enhance the resilience of local communities is paramount to ensure their ability to withstand adverse living conditions. This project has enhanced access to basic services and public facilities in addition to supporting the livelihoods of families in need, reducing their burdens and enhancing their living conditions.
* Names have been changed to protect the beneficiaries
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