Yet Another Remarkable Milestone!
"Certificate of Active Engagement" in PSEAH Network
We are thrilled to announce that Hand in Hand for Aid and Development has been awarded the prestigious ‘Certificate of Active Engagement’ by the Whole of Syria Interagency PSEAH Network.
This recognition underscores HiHFAD’s unwavering dedication to actively participating, engaging, and sharing knowledge within this remarkable network and the broader #humanitarian community.
While our mission has always been to make a meaningful #impact on the lives of those we serve, this certificate is a testament to the dedication of our team and the incredible partnerships we’ve built within the NWS PSEAH Network.
As we celebrate this significant achievement, we reiterate our #commitment to pursuing excellence in our efforts to create a better world for all.
Together, we can #MakeADifference!
"A Condolence and Solidarity Statement for #Morocco"
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development expresses its profound condolences and sincere sympathies to the people of Morocco following the devastating earthquake that has afflicted the nation. We implore divine mercy and forgiveness for the victims, and our heartfelt prayers are directed towards the swift recovery of all those injured, with hopes fervently resting on the safety and rescue of those who remain trapped under the debris. We stand in solidarity during this period of collective mourning, as we continue to heal the wounds of our affected people in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye.
تتقدم منظمة يداً بيد للإغاثة والتنمية بخالص التعازي وأصدق المواساة للشعب المغربي الشقيق على مصابهم الأليم بعد كارثة الزلزال الذي ضرب البلاد، سائلين المولى عزوجل الرحمة والمغفرة للضحايا وأن يتقبلهم من الشهداء، وندعوا بالشفاء العاجل للجرحى والمصابين ونرجو السلامة لمن لازال عالقا تحت الأنقاض، يشارككم الألم بكل عمق من لازال يضمد جراح أهلنا المتضررين من زلزال سوريا وتركيا
How Our Solar Energy Services Revolutionizes Water Supply for Displaced Syrians?
In the war-torn region of northwest Syria, where access to basic necessities is a daily struggle for displaced people, a remarkable achievement has taken place. The completion of a solar energy system installation for the water station at Nasaem Al-Rahma camp is changing lives and bringing new hope to thousands. The rehabilitated water station now serves not only the Nasaem Al-Rahma camp but also neighboring camps, including Shuhaadah al Insaniya, and Abwaab al Rahmah, and several others. This extensive reach means that a minimum of 7,000 displaced individuals will have access to clean and safe drinking water, a fundamental necessity often taken for granted in stable societies.
The newly constructed solar energy system powers the water station, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the camps. This groundbreaking approach not only reduces dependence on traditional energy sources which are difficult to secure in emergency and displacement conditions but also minimizes the environmental impact, making it a win-win solution for both the displaced communities and the planet. The system provides a consistent and uninterrupted water supply, mitigating the challenges faced by the displaced population. Additionally, it reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for expensive fossil fuels or grid electricity. The system’s low maintenance requirements make it ideal for the resource-limited context of the camps.
Beyond its practical benefits, the solar energy system empowers the displaced communities by creating opportunities for skill development and sustainable living. Local technicians and engineers have been trained to maintain and operate the system, enhancing their knowledge and employability. Through the power of solar energy, this achievement brings clean and sustainable water to thousands, offering hope, dignity, and a step towards a brighter future for those affected by the crisis in northwest Syria.
Effective Early Recovery and Resilience Programming in Syria: Insights from Brussels VII Conference Side Event
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) represented by its esteemed country director Mr. Fadi Al-Dairi, had the privilege of attending an official side event to the Brussels VII Conference titled “Achieving Effective Early Recovery and Resilience Programming in Syria.” The event, organized by The Syria Resilience Initiative (SRI) and the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), brought together key stakeholders and experts to discuss the pressing need for early recovery and resilience programming in Syria. While the significant insights has been shared by Mr. Al-Dairi, the challenges faced in implementing such programmes while shedding light on the importance of sustained commitment to the Syrian people also highlighted.
One of the challenges faced in promoting early recovery efforts in Syria is the perception that supporting local actors on the ground implies support for the Syrian regime. However, it is important to recognize that different authorities control various regions within Syria, making it crucial to consider the diverse context. Additionally, political challenges raised by donors can hinder service provision in early recovery. For instance, despite securing funding for rehabilitating conflict-affected schools, restrictions may only allow the rehabilitation of schools impacted by earthquake, which fails to address the immediate educational needs resulting from conflict. Similarly, addressing issues like early marriage and gender-based violence requires comprehensive approaches that incorporate medical services. Nevertheless, the health sector in Syria faces significant gaps in terms of qualified medical professionals and resources, making long-term programming essential to train nurses and meet the demand for medical services.
These issues cannot be effectively tackled on a short-term basis alone; they require a comprehensive approach that includes medical services to respond to GBV cases. However, the health sector itself is plagued with immense gaps. Syria has not seen the addition of new doctors for a decade or more, there is a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses, and the existing medical professionals are severely overburdened. To effectively combat early marriage, it is crucial to invest in longer-term programming that focuses on training nurses, which typically takes over three years. Despite the challenges, the benefits of such efforts outweigh the difficulties.
“The people of Syria, who face security risks and threats, will ultimately benefit from these interventions. It is also important to explore support from non-traditional donors who are willing to contribute to early recovery and resilience initiatives in the country.” said Mr. Al-Dairi.
HiHFAD Country Director Mr. Fadi Al-Dairi's contribution to the Day of Dialogue in the VII Brussels Conference on Syria
During the 7th Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region’, Mr. Fadi Al-Dairi, the Country Director of Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, has participated and made significant contributions to the Day of Dialogue yesterday. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of securing services and dignified assistance for the Syrian people and highlighted the need for locally-led solutions that align with values and norms. Mr. Al-Dairi addressed various challenges, including the dire state of education, infrastructure rehabilitation, and early recovery efforts to support local communities, emphasizing the necessity of flexible multi-year funding. The conference aimed to mobilize the international community in ensuring continuous support for the Syrian people and promoting a comprehensive political solution to the conflict, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
A new certificate of achievement for completing a mentorship programme with the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub.
The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH): is a programme that aims to support organizations in the aid sector to strengthen their safeguarding policy and practice against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEAH). RSH supports organizations working in both the humanitarian and development sectors but is driven by the needs of smaller national or local organizations in developing countries. RSH is delivered in consortium with Options, Social Development Direct, International Council of Voluntary Agencies, Terre des hommes, Clear Global, and Sightsavers. It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) until 2024.
The RSH Mentoring Program is a long-term learning process where HiHFAD is one of the 10 organizations that received 6 months of tailored development and training on Safeguarding. The program included reviewing our Safeguarding Policy and practices as well as safeguarding capacity building.
The program priorities were: Understanding risk, Safeguarding Standards, Culture and Leadership, Accountability, Communication, Safe Recruitment, Safe Programming, Information and Communication Technology, Investigation, Policies, and Procedures.
The SNL (Syrian Networks League) also supported this program hence their signature is on the certificate.
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development Recognized as Leading Syria-Focused Humanitarian Organization with Top Honors in the UK
🎉 Dear supporters of Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, 🙌
On behalf of the team here at HIHFAD, we are thrilled and immensely proud to announce that Hand in Hand for Aid and Development has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Most Dedicated Syria-Focused Humanitarian Aid NPO 2023 – UK” in the Non-profit Organisation Awards 2023!
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the years. We extend our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for your invaluable support. It is through your ongoing belief in our mission that we are able to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the Syrian crisis. Together, we are helping to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.
We look forward to continuing this incredible journey with you, as we strive to create a better world for all.
Renewal of Cross-Border Aid Mechanism Promises Little Relief for War-Displaced Syrians.
Quoted from "HiHFAD's Advocacy Contribution to a Media Report for Arab News Agency"
In previous years, families burned wood, coal and pistachio shells to heat their tents. This year, amid a nationwide fuel shortage, even these basics have become scarce, leading many to burn trash and anything else they can find.
“Inhaling fumes from burning plastic, manure and coal is harmful and often results in children falling ill,” a spokesperson for the Hand in Hand for Aid and Development Foundation, a Syrian-British charity, said.
“The damp winter conditions, compounded by overcrowding and a lack of access to adequate sanitation, are likely to increase cases of respiratory infection, health issues from smoke inhalation and waterborne diseases.”
Hospitals operating near the camps “have recorded an increase in cases of bronchitis and lung damage in children,” the foundation’s spokesperson said.
“Without a proper response, this winter is likely to cause deaths from hypothermia or fires inside tents.”
Fires and noxious fumes are not the only threats facing camp communities over winter. Without sufficient drainage, sites are frequently flooded, destroying possessions, compounding cold conditions and breeding waterborne diseases.
According to the foundation spokesperson, storms and heavy rain destroyed more than 6,700 tents and damaged over 22,800 in camps across northwestern Syria.
According to HIHFAD, there were 83 suicides in the camps between early 2021 and mid-2022. Unless funding targets are met by donor nations and access via Bab Al-Hawa is guaranteed for longer than six months at a time, aid agencies warn they will lack the capacity to save lives and ease suffering in northern Syria.
A JOINTLY CONDUCTED FIELD TRIP TO SYRIA NORTHWEST WITH OUR KEY PARTNER MALTESER INTERNATIONAL
Field visits are one of our main duties and vital tools to keep us informed of the dire situation in northwest Syria and allow us to effectively supervise the emergency aid we provide on the ground, in collaboration with our esteemed partners and donors.
Sadly, it is still imperative to establish a regular advocacy campaign and multilevel efforts in order to obtain the most basic human rights for the people in northwest Syria such as safety, protection, health care, food, and education.
This is unthinkable for the majority of countries around the world but unfortunately, still the harsh reality in Syria!
Human rights are not up for negotiation!
It was a pleasure to have the senior management of our key partner on the ground Malteser International join the HiHFAD administration team on a field trip to Northwest Syria on Wednesday 27 July. The field trip was focused on visiting several facilities and central medical warehouses, as well as witnessing the current circumstances of the people living there, in order to achieve strengthening and improvement of the response.
#SyriaCrisis#Syria#NorthWestSyria