In the face of Syria's 13 years struggle with war and various emergencies like earthquakes, we witnessed the paralyzing effects of fear and limited first-aid knowledge. It is hard to describe but war is as horrible as we know. The main idea was to build and train a network of both health professionals (doctors, nurses, social workers) and locals living within the most bombed areas to educate, build 1st aid kits and rescue. We trained / rescued as many people as possible to be able to react during the attacks and in any emergency with the main idea of wining time to save blood and save blood to win time.

Every day, even with all the experience under our belts, the big question loomed: could I actually save someone today? But the flip side was always there - what if I get hurt, or worse? How can you help anyone if you're gone? Let's be honest, there were plenty of sleepless nights, filled with both fear and a deep desire to make a difference. But that's the thing - even knowing the risks, we knew we could still make a positive impact, and that's what kept us going. We're grateful for the lives we've touched, and we're not done yet. We'll keep pushing forward, doing whatever we can, one day at a time.

Throughout times of war and over the years, we've developed various emotional support programs and interventions. These programs target children, adolescents, and adults in need. Additionally, we offer training for local personnel on emotional intelligence, trauma recovery, and emergency management. In 2024, our focus remains on providing emotional and psychological first aid through training and direct care.

We focused especially on youth until now. During the war, things felt oddly simpler. It was a harsh reality - live or die. We focused on immediate trauma, on basic survival. Now, it's much more complex. Back then, children faced a clear and terrible threat - death. But with the fighting slowing and armed groups leaving the center, a new kind of suffering has emerged. These young people are condemned to live in a broken world, with no escape. Our work has changed. We spend a lot of time in class, but also hold open-support hours every week. The traumas of war run deep, masked by a facade of strength - a shield against rejection. But the war has impacted them far more than we can imagine. Our mission is to rebuild them from the inside out. To help them believe in a future even with the war hanging over them, to find faith in themselves and dare to dream again.

Founded in 2017, Rifq and Together shelters provided a haven for injured stray animals. Our mission is to heal them and often to be there for "end of life" caring. We began by caring for injured animals addressing not only their medical needs but also the struggles faced by their owners. We provided food for both animals and families impacted by economic hardship. We've expanded our reach. Our passionate team of volunteers includes a veterinarian who offers invaluable medical care. We work together to identify animals in need, safely transport them, and provide ongoing nourishment and support.

The war tore everything apart. It wasn't just the people we lost, the constant fear, or the deafening explosions that stay with you. It was the animals too. I can't forget the dog running in flames after a rocket, or the poor cat ripped apart by shrapnel … People here in Middle East doesn't have the same affection for animals and it wasd complicated but we fought, a soul is a soul. At that time we didn’t know what to do but finally we built this group and from a step to another we found the power together to make it happen, to try as much we could to save also the animals, try to be there. The hardest part was that the project became a “end of life” caring initiative since we are focusing on injured animals. We do our best.

Moving forward, we will continue our mission of providing care for animals in need while also expanding our focus on palliative care education and awareness. We aim to raise awareness about the cycle of life and death, recognizing that there is much to learn and improve upon in terms of educating the Syrian community and fostering a better understanding of animal welfare initiatives.

Our primary objective remains to provide compassionate care and support to animals at the end of their lives, particularly in situations where curative medical solutions are unavailable. We are committed to researching and exploring best practices for palliative care in animals, tailored to the specific needs of each case. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for animals under our care and increase their chances of survival. 

Aleppo has faced its share of challenges – war, pandemic, sanctions, even earthquakes. But through it all, there's been a constant thread of hope. We started dozens of projects, big and small, to make a difference in people's lives.

Most of these activities revolved around bringing people together – kids and families especially. Music filled the air, laughter echoed from games, and movies transported us to different worlds. Even during the war's darkest days, we found ways to offer psychosocial support, organize visits, and create summer camps. It wasn't always easy, but seeing the smiles on people's faces made it all worth it. These projects were more than just activities; they were a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the toughest times, the human spirit can endure.

One of the first things I tried to do in war-torn Aleppo was bring back a sense of normalcy. It felt impossible with the constant bombings and fear, but starting this cinema program turned out to be one of the most positive and inspiring experiences of my life.

Suddenly, in the midst of all that chaos, we were offering a way to escape. It was incredible to see so many young people and families experience cinema for the first time. Their faces lit up – a whole new world opened for them, even if just for a few hours. The explosions were a constant soundtrack to our lives, rockets raining down all around. But even with that fear gripping us, we wouldn't give up. We knew the magic of movies could offer something more – a window to a world beyond the bombs.

Imagine a kid, eyes glued to the screen, seeing adventures unfold, heroes standing tall. Suddenly, the war shrinks a little. Their hearts open up, they travel to new lands without leaving their seats. They see courage, kindness, laughter – things that felt distant in the daily struggle. It was a breath of fresh air, a chance to dream again. These weren't just movies; they were lifelines. We weren't just showing films; we were showing hope. And it worked! Even complex lessons that might take months of classes to understand somehow clicked with a single movie. In a short time, over 4,500 people – kids, families, everyone – found a little escape, a reminder that life could be beautiful, even amidst the chaos.