Empowering Syrian Civil Society

Over the past four months, the thirty civil society organizations (CSOs) participating in CCSD’s Empowering Syrian Civil Society program finished their annual initiative with the generous support of many donors, including GlobalGiving. Organizations meet the needs of their local communities through projects focused on increasing women's and youth's engagement to respond to their community's humanitarian and development needs, such as education, water, agriculture, protection, and other sectors. One of the organizations worked with the local community to address water contamination and insecurity by installing water tanks and ensuring they would be routinely filled. Another organization worked with war-wounded women, providing psychological support, friendships, and opportunities to earn an income and market their goods. Still, other organizations rehabilitated parks and green spaces, providing residents with a clean and safe place to go. These projects have also supported local entrepreneurs by providing them with a safe and trafficked space to sell their goods. All the interventions vividly demonstrate the strength of the three nexus approaches of humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding. There were aspects of all of the interventions that contributed to peacebuilding and social cohesion on the local level. One of the participants said, “This is the first time someone has hosted me, asked me about my profession and work, and made me feel that I truly exist and have value.” We strongly believe in this program because it lets people know they are seen and genuinely exist.

As the year is winding down, the program is ramping up for the third year, which will see the first cohort graduate. The project team is adding 30 new organizations for the third year. All organizations will attend four new workshops, receive individualized mentoring, and continue to develop their understanding of their border communities through dedicated dialogue forums. CCSD is committed to supporting these organizations as they work with their local communities and plan and prepare for a better future. We hope that you join our effort and continue to support those organizations.

CCSD continues to explore resource opportunities and partnerships that will enhance the capacity of our participating CSOs, allow us to expand our support to our current cohorts, and support more CSOs in Syria.

Links:

• CCSD Website