Help Syrian Women Rebuild Their Lives

Dear Supporter,

Real protection does not begin only when a crisis happens. It begins much earlier—by equipping local people with the knowledge and confidence to recognize risks, respond appropriately, and support others.

On June 14, Freedom Jasmine launched a Training of Trainers program in Daraya designed to create exactly this kind of long-term impact.

The program brought together women activists and volunteers between the ages of 20 and 40, all of whom already had experience in humanitarian work across Damascus and its surrounding areas. Rather than offering one-time assistance, the training aimed to prepare these women to become protection trainers themselves, enabling them to pass their knowledge on to the organizations, groups, and communities they serve.

The opening session focused on establishing a strong foundation.

Because participants arrived with different levels of experience and understanding, the program began with a pre-assessment to identify their existing knowledge and determine where further support was needed.

The first day then introduced the principles of psychosocial support and the concept of well-being—what it means, how it affects individuals and communities, and why it is central to effective protection work.

From the beginning, the room was filled with energy and engagement.

These women already had the commitment to help others. What they needed were stronger tools, clearer frameworks, and practical knowledge that could turn that commitment into informed action.

Your support is helping build local capacity that will continue far beyond a single training session. By investing in women who will train others, you are helping create a wider and more sustainable network of protection within the community.

Thank you for helping women in Daraya become not only participants, but leaders, trainers, and a first line of protection for those around them.

With sincere gratitude,

Dear Supporter,

Sometimes, support begins with something as simple as giving a person permission to say, “This is how I feel.”

At the beginning of June, twenty women gathered in Daraya for the first of two Mental Health and Psychosocial Support sessions. Many had returned from displacement or come from areas deeply affected by conflict—carrying experiences that left little time or space to reflect on their own emotional well-being.

During the session, mental health was presented in a practical and personal way.

It was not discussed as a distant medical concept, but as the ability to cope with a difficult day, understand painful emotions, and recognize when support is needed.

The women explored different emotions and learned that feelings are not signs of weakness. Instead, they can be important signals—helping us understand what we are experiencing and what kind of care or support we may need.

As part of the session, each participant was invited to write down the emotion she was feeling at that moment, name it clearly, and rate its intensity.

It was a small and simple exercise, but its impact was meaningful.

For some women, it was the first time in a long while that they had paused to identify what was happening inside them. For others, it was a chance to realize that their emotions were valid and that they were not alone.

Your support helps create spaces like this—spaces where women affected by displacement and conflict can feel safe, understood, and better equipped to care for their mental well-being.

Thank you for helping women in Daraya find not only support, but also the courage to listen to themselves and begin healing.

With heartfelt gratitude,