Syria entered a new era in 2025, but the humanitarian crisis is far from over. Continuous hostilities in the northern and southern parts of the country, and recently in the coastal area, continue to trigger additional needs among the population, including protection concerns, as well as hindering humanitarian operations and access.
Across the country, incidents involving unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war have become a daily reality. Economic hardships persist across governorates due to liquidity shortages limiting access to cash, which in turn presents challenges for the population as well as for humanitarian actors.
For eight years, 187 families (1068 individuals) have lived in Shlash Informal Settlement in the northern countryside of Ar-Raqqa Governorate – most of them in tents or mud houses. The majority are displaced from Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.
Ameera, 25, originally from Deir-ez-Zor Governorate, has been living in Shlash informal settlement since 2019 with her two children. Displaced from her home and with no source of income, she struggled to provide for her children in the harsh conditions of the IS.
I wanted to do something to support my family, but I had no education or skillsAmeera
Her children were out of school, and daily life in the settlement was filled with challenges; poor shelter, few opportunities, and no certainty about tomorrow
Building a Future with Skills
Everything began to change when Ameera joined a Technical and Vocational Education and Training program. With no prior knowledge of detergent production, she chose the training because she saw a growing need for cleaning products.
I knew nothing about making detergents, but I felt it was important and that there was a market for itAmeera
The project focused on enabling rightsholders to establish home-based businesses or small enterprises. It incorporates technical training alongside marketing and business management lessons, ensuring rightsholders are equipped for sustainable success.
Through the training, Ameera learned how to make soap, shampoo, and various cleaning products. She also received guidance on marketing and how to manage a small business. As soon as the training ended, she used the start-up equipment and tools that she received after successfully finishing the training and set up her own small production unit right inside her tent.
She now makes and sells detergents from home and promotes her products within the IS and surrounding areas.
After the training, I stood on my own feet. I started earning money and became more financially stable. I’m proud to say I support not only my family but also serve others in the settlement with what I produce.Ameera
Her dream is to open a detergent shop and grow her business enough to supply stores in Ar-Raqqa city.
Giving Back Through Community Work
The DCA team sat with the community members. explained the project that aimed to support local community members address challenges they face and create solutions with the support of Group Cash Transfer approach and asked the community to be part of it.
they were trained on how to identify problems, analyse them, set solutions and propose the final solution by collaborating with the community as a group, along with finance, logistics, code of conduct and monitoring and evaluation trainings.
Living in the informal shelter, she knew what the people need to improve their living conditions. Wanting to do something about it but as the majority of the residents, she lacked the resources, and the skills required to address these issues properly. Ameera saw an opportunity to do something good for the community, so she joined a community group called “Al-Mahaba”. The group carried out a needs assessment among displaced families and identified the lack of proper bedding as a major concern. Many people were sleeping on worn-out foam mattresses and covering their floors with fertilizer sacks stitched together.
In winter, families huddled under one blanket because there weren’t enough to go aroundAmeera
In response, the group distributed plastic mats, foam mattresses, and blankets to 27 tents. This effort brought much-needed relief to dozens of families
I volunteered for the community group to serve my people and take an active step towards a better future, At first, people laughed at us and said these groups wouldn’t make a difference. But now they regret not joining. They saw the impact we made.Ameera
Psychosocial support for children
While Ameera was learning a new skill and serving her community through the community groups, her son Abd Al-Rahman, 7 years old was participating in psychosocial support sessions DCA was delivering in the informal settlement, Ameera saw a positive change in his behaviour.
“He used to be afraid and anxious, But after attending the sessions where he drew, played, and learned, he became excited and more confidentAmeera
He’d get ready for the sessions himself, and when he came back, he’d show his mother the pictures he drew and explain the feelings behind them.
The psycho-social support sessions created a safe space for children to express themselves, learn about emotions, and recover from the psychological toll of displacement.
A Message of Hope
For Ameera and her family, the combination of vocational training, psychosocial support, and community involvement has been life-changing.
TVET gave me a skill I can use anywhere I go. The community group showed us how we can help each other and take active steps toward changing the current situation. And the PSS sessions helped our children smile again.”Ameera
Her hope is simple yet powerful: for her children and others in the informal settlement to go back to school and for women like her to keep getting chances to learn and earn.
I never imagined I would ever learn a skill. Living in an informal settlement with children, the chances are so low. But this opportunity came to my door like a gift from GodAmeera
About the project
Full title: Enhancing the protection, resilience and dignity of communities affected by conflict in Northeast Syria (NES)
Period: September 2024 to June 2025
Partner: Amal Organization for Relief and Development and RMCO Organization
Amount: 5,000,000 DKK
Number of people reached by end of project: 14,000+
Donor: DANIDA
