Disaster Response Syrian Arab Republic Project #13216

Give Relief and Education to Syrian Refugees

by Relief International

Project Report | Apr 23, 2014
Update on RI's Work with Syrian Refugees 4.22.14

By Natalie Marinkovich | Philanthropy Department

Syria vigil at the Zaatari refugee camp

Last month, global vigils were held across the world as part of the #WithSyria campaign to commemorate the third anniversary of the crisis in Syria. Thousands of people across the world stood up together, shining a unified light in solidarity with the people of Syria. In the Zaatari refugee camp of North Jordan, members of Relief International attended vigils of candles alighted and balloons aloft to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the millions of men, women, and children of Syria struggling to survive each day of this crisis.

This month, the ongoing crisis is tragically marked by Lebanon registering its one millionth refugee. Syrian refugees now constitute over 25 percent of Lebanon’s population. While communities inundated by the massive inflow of refugees struggle under the weight of the economic and social burdens that come with hosting so many, much-needed funding slows to a trickle for humanitarian relief efforts.

RI has remained committed to assisting displaced Syrian families and their host communities. RI’s Accelerated Learning Program continues to operate in 24 schools and five learning centers across Beirut and northern Lebanon, reaching over 7,000 children to date.

Among the million Syrian refugees in Lebanon is 12-year-old Zeinab.* Back in Syria, Zeinab was a distinguished student at her school. Now, after fleeing Syria, Zeinab lives in a tent with her family in Lebanon. When Zeinab got to Lebanon she lost her ability to concentrate and understand material in school. She escaped the danger of the war with her family, but memories of a home torn apart remained with her. Somewhere, the distinguished student of Syria was lost. Many Syrian children like Zeinab, struggle to leave behind the trauma they experienced in Syria.

RI staff found Zeinab as she struggled through her work in school, persuading her to join RI’s Accelerated Learning Program. At first, Zeinab was lost and struggled with self-confidence, but RI staff did not give up on her.

RI’s ALP program helps children heal so they may regain their childhood and move forward to a better and brighter future. With support through RI’s program, Zeinab began to reclaim her joy in education and today she is a first level student at her school.

Your support has made our work possible—Thank you!

*Name has been changed.

Syrian students in RI's ALP program

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Jan 22, 2014
Update on RI's Work with Syrian Refugees 1.18.14

By Natalie Marinkovich | Philanthropy Department

Syrian kids back to their studies thanks to RI

Well into its third year, the crisis in Syria has escalated to unfathomable proportions. Over two million Syrians have been displaced - one of the largest refugee population movements in recent history. As the crisis continues, more and more Syrian families are requiring assistance. In response, Relief International’s efforts have expanded over the past year to support refugees and host communities by providing vital services such as education and water and sanitation hygiene in Jordan, Lebanon, and now Iraq. Currently, Relief Internationals programs in the region help meet the needs of more than 400,000 Syrians.

One of Relief International’s top priorities is to transition Syrian children back to school. Currently, more than half a million Syrian refugee children are out of school. This is an entire generation at risk. Our educational programs in Jordan and Lebanon provide support to more than 8,000 children. In Lebanon, RI offers accelerated learning programs (ALPs) across 24 schools in Beirut, North Lebanon, and Mount Lebanon. Through ALPs, Syrian children ages 3 to 14 are able to catch-up and learn in a safe and supportive environment. RI’s programs help ensure that Syrian children succeed and integrate into the formal education system.

In Iraq, Relief International is helping meet the water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of 7,000 Syrians in the Dara Shakran Camp. To ensure families have access to safe water, RI operates a laboratory in the camp which monitors the safety of drinking water in order to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. Our team also distributes hygiene and sanitation kits. In order to combat one of the coldest winters on record in the region, we also provide winterization kits to children to ensure they keep warm.

Your ongoing support has made Relief International’s work possible. With your continued support, not only can we continue to offer relief, but we are also able to establish sustainable long-term programs and help more Syrian families have a better and more promising future.

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Oct 23, 2013
Give Education to Syrian Refugees Update 10.23.13

By Natalie Marinkovich | Philanthropy Department

The Syria crisis, one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time, has had an overwhelming effect upon Syrian children. Over one million children make up well over half of the current growing Syrian refugee population. Most of these children have been out of school for months and even years. They carry trauma from the scars of war. The biggest challenge yet is providing them a chance to heal and grasp hope for a better future.

Protecting Syrian children has been one the main focuses of Relief International’s (RI) work. In the Za’atari camp, where a large majority of the refugees are children, RI is helping kids catch up in school at its educational center. At the center, children can feel secure while they heal and receive psychosocial support in a safe environment. In addition to catch-up classes, children enjoy organized recreational activities. Our work in Za’atari would not be possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers and staff that put in long days and work tirelessly to support the center's activities.

RI is also assisting Syrian families residing in host communities. In fact, about 80 percent of refugees live in host communities--in rural or urban areas where the families struggle to meet their basic needs and find work opportunities. In Karak, Jordan, our team is providing Syrian children with the educational support they need to catch up to their Jordanian peers.

Despite all odds, the Syrian kids we meet are determined to continue their education. But, resources are stretched thin as the number of families fleeing their homes will grow. You can do something. Your support through Global Giving will enable us to reach more children in need. Join us and together we can keep their hope alive and change their futures.

Girls in class at the RI education center

Boys attending recreational activities

Catch-up classes in Karak, Jordan

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