Many humanitarian projects seek to alleviate the difficulties populations have to face. Since 2012, even the Focolare Movement has been offering its support and assistance through the non-profit organizations AMU and AFN. High currency devaluation, a continuous increase in the cost of living together with a constant decline in public services, are only a few of the problems that mark the social and civil state of affairs in Syria after seven years of war. The effects of this war are becoming more and more unbearable. Those who lost their jobs have been forced to spend all their savings in order to survive and pay for medical care, in a country where doctors, teachers and many other professionals have been constrained to emigrate abroad. But, as reported by those responsible for projects carried out in Syria by the Focolare community, through the non-profit organizations AMU and AFN, “marvellous values such as solidarity, hospitality, generosity and fraternity” flourish in this extremely arduous situation. “God is with us; He sustains us and encourages us”, they affirm. The “Emergency Syria” project supports more than 200 displaced families from Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, Kafarbo and other coastal localities. These are visited regularly by teams of volunteers, who at various moments, such as births, birthdays and particular phases of school life, have never failed to support them, always respecting their sensitivity and dignity. Through this project, families have been helped with payments of school expenses and with buying necessary appliances, food and blankets. But what they appreciate most is the fact that they feel accompanied in this difficult phase of their life. For the last six years activities have been programmed and carried out in the fields of health care, education and family income support; recently other programmes have been added, especially in the field of vocational training and education. “This commitment emerges not only from wanting to meet the urgent material needs of the people supported, but also from wanting to offer work opportunities to many others, especially to young people, who would otherwise be unemployed because of the country’s current situation”. Last year, in Dueilaa, there were more than 90 children who attended after school activities and this gave excellent results. The centre remained open even during the summer months and it could cater for an intake of 115 children. “Some mothers tell us that their children opt to come to the centre even when they are sick or when there is some other family programme”. “A Generation of hope” is the name of another centre located at Homs.The students who attend this centre have successfully passed their school exams. Here, the possibility of psychological support is also offered to both children and parents. “We target mainly the traumas suffered because of war, and this helps to restore confidence and to find solutions for their many problems”. Just over two years ago, at this same place, and also at Kafarbo, a health care project has been set up. More than a hundred people, who needed special medical care, have already benefitted from this project. “We try to collaborate with other organizations to be able to help the patients even when the cost of treatment or surgery exceeds our means”.

Chiara Favotti