Concluding eight months of humanitarian efforts, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a project to back orphans and their families in northern Syria.

According to an official statement from QRCS, the project was implemented in co-operation with Ataa Humanitarian Relief Association. It was aimed at improving the living and educational conditions of more than 3,000 orphaned children from approximately 1,000 families with a whole set of interventions, including food and educational support along with infrastructure rehabilitation of orphanages.

To alleviate the burdens facing the families with orphans amid difficult conditions in the region, five orphanages in Aleppo Governorate were rehabilitated, for the benefit of 400 orphans and their families.

Rehabilitation works included upgrading of infrastructure (maintenance of walls, windows, bathrooms, and kitchens, replacing electricity, water and sewage networks) and provision of basic equipment and supplies to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children.

To ensure the continuity of the orphanages, QRCS paid for the necessary operational costs, including electricity and water bills, heating, Internet (for educational purposes) and staff remunerations, enabling the homes to keep serving the orphans.

E-coupons were distributed to the families of orphans to purchase basic food items such as rice, legumes, dairy products, meat, vegetables and canned goods in addition to seasonal clothing rations for orphans.

Also, the project involved educational support for children by providing stationery, textbooks and transportation costs thus ensuring a stable learning environment that encourages them to continue their education.

A closing ceremony was held in Azaz City to honour more than 500 orphans and their families, attended by representatives of QRCS, local partners, and children’s families. Another ceremony was held in Al-Bab City where the remaining beneficiaries were honoured.