Now is time to help all the Syrians

Last February's quake has severely impacted the cities of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Idlib, causing damages and collapse of numerous buildings and the destruction of some water systems.

The earthquake has added even more misery and huge difficulties to years of war, poverty and punishing international sanctions.

The three most important issues for those affected by the earthquake are unemployment and economic problems, inability to continue education, and housing.

The aftershocks of the earthquakes accellerated by huge inflation results in food prices that are constantly rising; Syrian families have seen food prices almost doubled since last year.

Prior to the earthquake, 85 per cent of households were unable to meet their basic needs, with a disproportionate impact on populations with vulnerabilities such as  age, gender, and/or disability. Throughout this year, camps and self-settled sites hosted close to two million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Among these, around 80% are women and children who are particularly at risk.

At least 3.7 million children in Syria need continued humanitarian assistance, according to UNICEF.

Despite the bleak circumstances, the resilience of the people offers beacons of hope. Our volunteers in Aleppo have continued to find accomodations for homeless families, distributed clothes and essential goods, and we are helping more children to stay in school and to receive the quality education that would give them a future. However, the need for assistance and attention remains critical.

Please give today to help vulnerable children and families suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake and consider sharing this request with your friends and familiy.

Thank you.

Links:

• Aleppo For Life - Quality schooling for girls and boys in Aleppo

Following the Turkish-Syrian earthquake last February, we were deeply moved by your immediate and generous response to this tragedy. As your donations came in, we were in constant contact with our partners in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria, deciding how to best provide immediate and practical help to those most in need.  In the first three days, we brought sandwiches, milk and medicines to areas yet to be reached by the police and other organisations. As aid became more organised and widespread, we have been focusing mainly on children’s needs.

Hundreds of children had lost or had unsuitable shoes, and as it was winter, it quickly became a priority to provide shoes for as many children as possible. Through our contacts, we purchased boys' and girls' shoes from a local factory; each pair costs between $4 and $8 dollars. The shoes were distributed in schools and buildings where the earthquake victims sought shelter.

As you can see from the photos during one of our many distributions, the children were delighted to receive a brand-new pair of sports or daily shoes each.

Good quality shoes insulate the children from the cold and dirt, protecting them from accidents and illness. Thanks to you, the children we helped were able to walk, run, jump, play with their friends and eventually go to school, keeping warm, dry and hopefully safe.