Amid the challenges and pressures faced by children and local communities, Dan for Relief and Development Foundation (DRD) continues to implement psychosocial support (PSS) and community awareness activities aimed at promoting children’s mental well-being, helping them cope with stress, and supporting families and communities in creating safer and more protective environments for children
These activities are implemented as part of the project “Supporting Localization Efforts in Northeast Syria by Empowering Partners and Local Communities to Lead Community-Led, Survivor- and Community-Led Response (SCLR) and Community-Based Protection Programming (CBPP)”, implemented by DRD in Al-Raqqa and Al-Hasakah governorates from January to December 2026.
Psychosocial Support Sessions Tailored to Children’s Needs
In Al-Hasakah city, DRD is conducting specialized psychosocial support sessions in Al-Harah Al-Askariya neighbourhood, targeting children across three age groups to ensure that activities are adapted to their specific needs and developmental characteristics.
The targeted groups include children aged 6–8, 10–12, and 13–17 years, who participate in structured psychosocial support sessions delivered over the course of one month.
The activities include 10 sessions for children aged 6–8, 10 sessions for those aged 10–12, and 6 sessions for adolescents aged 13–17, reaching a total of 125 children.
These sessions provide a safe and supportive space where children can express their feelings, interact with their peers, and strengthen their ability to cope with the pressures and challenges that may affect their psychosocial well-being.
Raising Awareness Among Adults to Strengthen Child Protection
Alongside the child-focused psychosocial support sessions, DRD is conducting awareness-raising sessions targeting 300 adults, recognizing the critical role that families and communities play in protecting children and supporting their psychosocial well-being.
The awareness sessions address a range of child protection issues and promote safer family and community environments, including protection from discrimination and bullying, prevention of domestic violence, risks associated with early marriage, positive parenting, as well as other relevant awareness topics.
By combining direct psychosocial support for children with awareness-raising among adults, DRD seeks to promote an integrated, community-based approach that goes beyond addressing children’s immediate needs and contributes to strengthening the capacity of families and communities to provide care, protection, and support.
These activities highlight the importance of engaging local communities in child protection and psychosocial support efforts, strengthening children’s ability to overcome challenges and contributing to safer and more stable environments where they can grow and thrive.