Give Support to 800 Syrian Refugee Families

My name is Widad. I'm 45 years old and come from the Syrian city of Afrin near Aleppo. Two years ago, i fled with my husband from the Civil War in Syria. The situation came to a head. No one was sure who to trust. Rebels kidnapped two of my siblings in Lebanon. Till this day i have no sign of them. That makes me cry.

One of my brothers lived in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil and advised me to flee with my family. First we were one night in the camp near Dohuk, then we fled further towards Suleymaniah. Now we live in Bazyan, a place with about 3.000 inhabitants. My husband has found work as a driver. Our sons, 14 and 20 years old, also work - so our family can get by. It's not fair that my son can not go to school. But without his income from the sale of bread and coffee, we can not survive.

I know from my own experience how important education is: i come from a family with twelve children. I did not have time to read and write at that time - and it was not considered necessary that ie learn this as a girl. Now i have taken a reading and writing course in the community center, which has established the partner organization of the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe for Syrian refugees and displaced persons. Now I'm proud to communicate with my relatives at least via WhatsApp.

In addition, the center helped me to find social contacts. I'm going along well with the other women in the class. We meet up till today. Sometimes we cry together about what we've lost. But together we also go to the bazaar.  Although my husband Faisal is very liberal, it is not possible for women to move outside the house alone. That's why it was so important that the community center picked us up with a bus. The center fulfills various tasks: in addition to reading and writing courses, language and sewing courses are offered for women. It is also important that the women can break out of their "imprisonment" in the house for a moment and make new contacts.

Widad and her family is one on the recipients of our Syria relief. Thank you we can help in Syria and the surrounding countries which are affected by the war in Syria. I'm greatful to have you on our side.

Yours

Michael Tuerk