Food assistance vouchers alleviate economic distress
In the ongoing crisis in Syria, refugees and internally displaced persons in Idlib and Aleppo continue to face severe hardships, with ongoing conflict, destruction of infrastructure, and high levels of displacement and humanitarian need.
Welthungerhilfe, a leading international organisation providing aid and support, has been actively engaged in assisting these displaced individuals since 2012. Their efforts are focused on providing emergency food aid, shelter, clean water, sanitation, and health services.
One of the key aspects of Welthungerhilfe's work is the distribution of food vouchers. More than 38,000 people in Idlib and Aleppo are currently benefiting from these vouchers, which can be used at local markets to purchase essential items such as rice, lentils, oil, chickpeas, salt, sugar, and tomato puree.
In addition to food aid, Welthungerhilfe and its local partner organisation, IhsanRD, also provide support for agriculture. This includes the distribution of seeds, fertilizer, and tools to refugees, enabling them to grow crops like peas, peppers, tomatoes, and aubergines. Amar Homede, a 35-year-old refugee from the south of Idlib, is one such recipient, who received support to grow vegetables in a garden with an irrigation system.
The destruction of infrastructure has left many without access to clean water and health care. Welthungerhilfe addresses these acute risks by rehabilitating water sources such as boreholes, distributing safe water, and supporting medical care to address the potential outbreak of infectious diseases.
Shelter provision and the distribution of household goods are also integral parts of Welthungerhilfe's aid operations. Nouri Kamel, a 63-year-old refugee from the north of Hama, and his eight children have been living in a single room. Thanks to Welthungerhilfe's support, they have been receiving food vouchers, improving their food situation. Fakhri Masri, a 47-year-old refugee from Damascus, who is in a wheelchair due to an air strike, has also received food vouchers from Welthungerhilfe to ensure that his family has enough to eat.
Moreover, some project participants receive micro-gardening training, which they can then pass on to other refugees. This not only helps to provide food but also fosters a sense of community and self-reliance.
However, these aid operations face challenges such as conflict-driven access restrictions, underfunding, and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Welthungerhilfe remains committed to providing vital humanitarian aid focused on food security, safe water, shelter, and health care under difficult conditions.
The war in Syria has displaced millions of people from their homes and jobs, with many also losing loved ones. Obeida Yousef, a 40-year-old farmer from Aleppo, is one such victim. He was injured during an air attack and lost both his arms. Despite his hardships, he is determined to rebuild his life and support his family.
Zahida Khleef, from the west of the Aleppo Governorate, is another recipient of Welthungerhilfe's aid. She received help to buy tools and seeds, allowing her to grow her own vegetables. These efforts not only provide essential food but also help these displaced individuals regain a sense of normalcy and dignity.
References:
- Welthungerhilfe. (n.d.). Syria Crisis. Retrieved December 16, 2024, from https://www.welthungerhilfe.de/en/countries/middle-east/syria-crisis/
- UNHCR. (2024, November 1). Syria: 123,000 people displaced in Aleppo, Hama and Idlib in October. Retrieved December 16, 2024, from https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2024/11/637552734/syria-123000-people-displaced-aleppo-hama-idlib-october.html
- UNICEF. (2024, November 24). Syria: Cholera outbreak in northeast Syria threatens 250,000 people. Retrieved December 16, 2024, from https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/syria-cholera-outbreak-northeast-syria-threatens-250000-people
- Welthungerhilfe. (2024, November 16). Syria: Humanitarian conditions remain dire for displaced families. Retrieved December 16, 2024, from https://www.welthungerhilfe.de/en/news/syria-humanitarian-conditions-remain-dire-for-displaced-families/
- In addition to humanitarian aid, many displaced persons might benefit from resources related to personal growth, such as self-help books, online courses on resilience, and counseling services to help them cope with the loss and trauma experienced during the crisis.
- While the crisis in Syria continues, it's crucial to follow general news updates for the latest developments, and also to advocate for policy changes around politics that prioritize peace and humanitarian aid.
- For those coping with the stress of the ongoing crisis, finding a diversion in activities such as casino and gambling games or engaging in sports, such as cricket or soccer, can provide some temporary relief.
- On the other hand, some may find solace in nurturing relationships with pets, as the companionship and care given to a pet can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and despair.
- For the displaced individuals who prefer a more tranquil lifestyle, home-and-garden programs could offer a sense of comfort and normalcy by teaching skills for creating peaceful living spaces and growing their own food.
- As the conflict subsides and life begins to return to some semblance of normalcy, refugees will need to focus on career-development resources, such as resume writing workshops, job training programs, and networking events, so they can rebuild their lives and support themselves and their families.
- As communities in Syria rebuild, education-and-self-development programs become increasingly important to ensure future generations have the skills and knowledge needed to create a more stable and prosperous society.
