Syria

We provide multi-sector emergency assistance for the most vulnerable internally-displaced people (IDPs), host communities, and returnee families in conflict-affected areas of Syria, designed to support key areas of need including food security and healthcare.

For newly-displaced families outside of formal camps, we distribute shelter kits, water tanks, and non-food item (NFI) kits, including mattresses, blankets, plastic sheets, and floor mats. In the winter, we provide heaters, cash vouchers for fuel, fire extinguishers, and jerry cans to help with freezing temperatures. We’ve also piloted a new program to help internally-displaced Syrians build mud-brick houses, a structure that is more conducive to freezing winters and harsh summers than makeshift tents. We also provide water for IDP camps and communities, including chlorinated water supplies and water quality monitoring. We do this in tandem with work in sanitation support and hygiene promotion to help prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases.

Another key aspect of our emergency response is multipurpose cash assistance and vouchers. These distributions help families get what they most need, and also support local markets and economies. Some cash distributions are earmarked for specific areas, like food, fuel, and healthcare. These distributions have significantly helped families rebuild a standard of living and gain a sense of well-being amid dire circumstances.

We have also begun to increasingly focus on working with local NGOs working in the communities where we are active. These partnerships focus on mutual skill-sharing and capacity-building, ensuring that the needs of communities are being met and that the work can continue without ongoing dependence on Concern.

We’re addressing the food security crisis in Syria with a food assistance program designed to meet basic needs through monthly distributions for internally-displaced Syrians and conflict-affected families. We focus on the root causes of food insecurity as well as both short- and long-term solutions.

Where possible, we distribute vouchers and cash transfers, allowing Syrians to prioritize their basic needs (including food) while reducing the prevalence of negative coping mechanisms. Cash and vouchers also support local markets, where food is often available but not affordable due to inflation.

To ensure we’re reaching the furthest behind, we prioritize underserved locations in northeast Syria. In one informal settlement, we’ve piloted household-based targeting, an approach that has shown initially positive results and one we plan to scale up. In addition to meeting immediate needs, we also work with these families by supporting them with business grants so that they can build self-reliance and self-sufficiency without needing to rely on aid for an extended period.

Concern’s educational programs support children who are out of school, teach them foundational literacy and numeracy skills, meet their socio-emotional needs, and give them the chance to be children despite the current circumstances.

One of our key areas of focus is non-formal education (NFE), a conflict-sensitive program that helps children learn basic literacy and numeracy skills to reenter the formal education system. We complement this approach with adolescent groups to help older students complete their education, as well as homework support groups, and accelerated learning programs. We also work with parents and caregivers to ensure they have the tools they need to support their children through school and at home.

Where possible, Concern also works to rehabilitate schools, restoring minimum standards to classrooms and improving damaged WASH facilities.