As part of a women’s empowerment project in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development conducted a training course on disaster risk reduction. The course took place at the foundation’s center for “Disaster Risk Reduction and Gender-Based Violence Activities” in the village of Sanjak Saadoun, rural Amuda, and lasted for three days

The training targeted two groups, each consisting of 8 female participants from the same village and surrounding areas. It focused on strengthening the capacities of emergency response teams for disaster risk reduction, led by women.

The course covered key topics, including: disaster risk management and local hazards, safety and security during emergencies, fire prevention and suppression, flood preparedness and response, first aid and emergency response, and community awareness and preparedness.

The training combined theoretical sessions with practical exercises, enabling participants to gain the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for emergency response.

On the final day, essential disaster risk reduction toolkits were distributed to the participants to support their preparedness and enhance their ability to respond effectively within their communities. The materials provided to each participant included: a firefighting suit, thermal safety boots, thermal gloves, a helmet, a face shield, a 12 kg powder fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.

This training course is part of the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development’s efforts to strengthen local communities’ ability to face disasters and reduce their impacts, by building women’s capacities and enabling them to play active roles in emergency response and protecting their communities. Such interventions contribute to enhancing community readiness and spreading a culture of prevention and preparedness, positively affecting individual safety and the sustainability of local development.

The foundation believes that investing in women’s capacities and equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools is a fundamental pillar for building more resilient communities capable of facing challenges and crises, thereby strengthening women’s role as key partners in protecting society and supporting recovery and development pathways

As part of its firm commitment to supporting and empowering youth, the Dan Relief and Development Foundation successfully concluded its intensive training program in the air conditioning and refrigeration profession at the foundation’s vocational training center in the city of Al-Raqqa

The training program extended over three months and targeted 14 ambitious students. The training agenda was meticulously designed to cover all theoretical and practical aspects of the air conditioning and refrigeration profession, with a focus on the latest technologies and practices in this vital field.

The comprehensive training agenda included the following core themes, distributed throughout the training period to ensure complete curriculum coverage:

Introduction to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
A detailed study of the basic refrigeration cycle, types of refrigerants (Freon), their properties, and applications. Understanding the laws of thermodynamics related to pressure and temperature, and the basic components of refrigeration systems (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator).

Electrical Circuits and Control Systems
Learning to read electrical diagrams for air conditioning and refrigeration systems, identifying electrical components such as motors, capacitors, relays, and switches. Training on inspecting these components, programming modern electronic control panels, in addition to electrical protection and safety systems.

Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Practical training on disassembling and installing indoor and outdoor units of split air conditioning systems, methods for detecting and repairing leaks, safe and effective gas charging and discharging procedures. The training also included handling common mechanical and electrical faults, and preventive maintenance to ensure system efficiency and longevity.

Dan Centers adopted a training methodology focused on learning by practice, where the practical aspect constituted a large percentage of the total training hours. Fully equipped workshops with the latest tools and equipment were provided, allowing students the opportunity to directly apply theoretical knowledge. The program also included guidance sessions on professional ethics and how to manage small projects, aimed at equipping graduates with entrepreneurial skills enabling them to start their own projects or integrate effectively into the labor market.

This program aims to provide youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the labor market efficiently and capably, and to contribute to building their professional capacities to achieve economic independence.

In the second phase of the project, the “Professional Apprenticeship” phase, participants will be distributed across shops and centers specializing in air conditioning and refrigeration for another three months. In its second phase, the program seeks to provide direct practical training that aligns with the needs of the local labor market, helping trainees gain the necessary skills to enter the job market with confidence.

This integrated training enhances participants’ opportunities to improve their economic and professional conditions and gives them the necessary tools to build a successful professional future.

As part of the activities of the Vocational Training Project – Third Cycle, Dan Relief and Development implemented a “Child Protection” initiative aimed at promoting safe and child-friendly spaces within the local community.

The initiative included providing one of the public parks in the city of Raqqa with seating and waiting benches, as well as garbage bins, which contributes to improving the public environment, promoting cleanliness, and providing a more comfortable and safer space for children and families.

This initiative was implemented in coordination and cooperation with the Local Administrative Council, reaffirming the importance of community partnership in supporting sustainable humanitarian and development initiatives.

As part of the efforts of Dan Relief and Development to support mental health and enhance psychological well-being, the MHPSS project team implemented a special initiative for Mental Health Week during the month of May, targeting women working in agriculture in the villages of Al-Sabha and Al-Jadeed in the central countryside of Deir ez-Zor

The initiative involved the participation of 60 women through interactive activities that included psychological release exercises and the promotion of positive emotions, in addition to distributing awareness brochures on the importance of mental health and ways of self-care, along with symbolic initiatives to spread hope and positive energy, such as distributing flowers.

This initiative reaffirms the importance of reaching women across various work environments and supporting their mental and social health, given its positive impact on both the individual and society.

As part of the Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) program, the DAN for Relief and Development (DRD) has installed five large billboards in several roads and vital locations in Al-Hasakah Governorate. This initiative aims to raise community awareness of the risks posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war (ERW), while promoting safe behavior among all segments of the population

The billboards are located at “Zouri Roundabout” at the southern entrance of Qamishli city, in the middle of the Ghaibesh road in Tal Tamr town, as well as three billboards within Al-Hasakah city at: Al-Ghazl Roundabout, Panorama Roundabout, and the middle of the road in Mashirfa opposite the Shatto Garden

The activity focused on providing permanent visual awareness materials in public, high-traffic areas with significant community movement, helping to deliver safety messages to the largest possible number of residents and enhancing awareness of risks associated with suspicious objects and explosive ordnance

The billboards feature clear and simple illustrations that ensure messages reach both literate and non-literate individuals, alongside written awareness messages and practical guidelines on safe behavior and reporting mechanisms when encountering suspicious objects or war remnants

This activity aims to provide continuous, easy-to-understand, and accessible public safety messages, helping community members recognize the dangers of explosive ordnance and take appropriate action if they encounter any suspicious objects, thereby contributing to the reduction of related accidents and injuries

The content of the billboards was developed to ensure cultural appropriateness and effectiveness for all age and social groups, including children and adults, as part of a sustained commitment to promoting a culture of community safety

These permanent reminder billboards help deliver clear, visual, and consistent awareness messages to a wide range of residents, particularly those most at risk, thereby supporting explosive ordnance risk education efforts and reinforcing safe behaviors within the community

This activity falls within the organization’s efforts to protect civilians and reduce the risks of explosive-related accidents through sustainable awareness tools that contribute to building a more aware and safer community

In a step reflecting its commitment to supporting professional empowerment and enhancing job opportunities, the vocational training center affiliated with the Dan Relief and Development Foundation in the city of Al-Raqqah concluded a specialized professional course in “confectionery and pastry making” after three months of intensive theoretical and practical training, with the participation of 16 female trainees

The course aimed to equip the trainees with basic and advanced skills in the field of confectionery and pastry making, contributing to enhancing their opportunities to integrate into the labor market or launch their own projects. The training program focused on integrated professional practices, starting from the selection of raw materials, through preparation and production mechanisms, to decoration and packaging methods, with full adherence to food and health safety standards.

During the training period, the trainees received intensive practical training focused on mastering the basics of the profession, including identifying types of flour, yeasts, and fats, understanding the chemical interactions between ingredients, as well as acquiring practical skills in preparing various types of Eastern and Western sweets and pastries.
The program also included specialized modules on cost management and product cost calculation to ensure economic feasibility and profitability, in addition to training on occupational safety standards, personal hygiene, and sterilization of tools and the work environment.

The training modules covered three main sections; the first section dealt with pastry and bakery preparation skills, through training on kneading and shaping basic doughs such as the ten-minute dough, brioche, and croissant, as well as learning the secrets of successful fermentation and mechanisms for controlling oven temperatures.
The second section focused on preparing Western sweets, including sponge cake and various cream fillings, in addition to the art of decoration using “mirror glaze” techniques and sugar paste.

In the Eastern sweets section, the participants trained in adjusting the consistency of the sugar syrup (Qatr) to suit each type, such as Basbousa, Knafeh, and Baklava, as well as learning techniques for handling ghee and nuts to achieve the authentic Eastern flavor.

The importance of this profession is highlighted as one of the sought-after home-based professions that enjoys good opportunities within the labor market, making investment in confectionery and pastry-making skills an effective step towards economic empowerment and achieving professional independence for the trainees.

During the course, Dan centers adopted a training methodology based on experiential learning, where the practical aspect took up the largest share of the training hours. They also provided fully equipped workshops with the necessary tools and equipment, giving trainees the opportunity to directly apply theoretical knowledge, along with guidance sessions covering professional ethics and small business management, aiming to prepare graduates capable of entering the labor market efficiently and confidently.

In the second phase of the project, “professional apprenticeship,” the participants will be distributed to shops and centers for the production and sale of sweets and pastries for another three months. In its second phase, the program seeks to provide direct practical training aligned with the needs of the city’s labor market, helping trainees acquire the necessary skills to enter the job market with confidence.

This comprehensive training enhances the participants’ opportunities to improve their economic and professional situations and provides them with the necessary tools to build a successful professional future.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote social cohesion and peacebuilding, the DAN for Relief & Development (DRD) implemented an initiative to establish the Jarat Al-Milaj football field in rural Deir ez-Zor. This was carried out by the Community Protection team, with active participation from the Women’s and Youth Committees.

The initiative included field rehabilitation and preparation works. The team leveled and marked the field, provided goalposts, nets, footballs, sports kits, in addition to the trophy and medals for the sports tournament.

As a culmination of the initiative, the “Love Sports Tournament” was held at the Al-Seela field in the village of Jarat Al-Milaj. The event took place in a spirited atmosphere with notable public attendance, featuring eight sports teams from neighboring villages, divided into two groups.

Group one included: Inter Al-Milaj, Al-Kabir, Abu Khashab, and Al-Risalah (Bu Humed).
Group two included: Ahli Al-Milaj, Al-Ittihad (Ma’adan), Ahmar Bu Humed, and Al-Bushams.

The tournament witnessed strong competitions characterized by sportsmanship and significant audience engagement. The final match was contested between Inter Al-Milaj and Al-Kabir in a cautious and competitive game, attended by over 3,000 spectators from the area.

The regular time ended in a goalless draw, and the result was decided by penalty shootouts, with Al-Kabir winning 3–2 to become the champion of the “Love Sports Tournament,” celebrated joyfully by their fans and supporters.

This initiative reaffirmed the positive role of sports in promoting a culture of peace and building bridges of love and brotherhood among community components. It also contributed to creating a safe, inclusive space for youth and families. Today, the Jarat Al-Milaj field has become a place for community gathering and cohesion, and a symbol of hope and cooperation among

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the urban environment and enhance the quality of life in areas affected by the lack of public services, the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development has completed the rehabilitation of Ugarit Park in Al-Hasakah City, within a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the park into a safe, green, and well-equipped public space serving children, families, and the local community

An Urgent Need for Safe Public Spaces

Al-Hasakah City suffers from a clear shortage of well-equipped public spaces, which limits children’s ability to play in a safe environment and reduces opportunities for social interaction among community members.

Additionally, many open spaces lack basic facilities such as seating, children’s playground equipment, and proper infrastructure, which negatively affects the quality of life and restricts the use of these spaces for community and recreational activities.

Based on this reality, the Ugarit Park rehabilitation initiative came to respond to a pressing community need, by restoring and developing the park to ensure the provision of a safe and inclusive urban environment.

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Intervention

The rehabilitation works included an integrated set of technical and engineering interventions, focusing on improving infrastructure and enhancing safety and attractiveness elements within the park. The most prominent works included

· Carrying out comprehensive cleaning of the park grounds and removing waste and obstacles.
· Improving the water drainage system by implementing drainage points and installing dedicated pipes to ensure water flow.
· Installing new rest benches with engineering specifications ensuring comfort, durability, and suitability for public use.
· Supplying and installing modern children’s playground equipment, including swings and slides, in accordance with safety standards.
· Maintaining and updating old playground equipment and replacing damaged parts to ensure safe use.
· Installing solar-powered lighting units with a capacity of 400 watts, enhancing sustainability and providing safe lighting during evening hours.
· Maintaining old lighting poles and improving their operational readiness.
· Spreading soft sand in play areas to reduce the risk of injuries and improve the quality of use.
· Maintaining public facilities such as benches and garbage bins to improve the overall aesthetic appearance.

All works were carried out under the direct technical supervision of the Foundation’s engineers and in coordination with relevant local authorities to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

A Space for Childhood and Community Interaction

The project was not limited to infrastructure only but also included the implementation of recreational and awareness activities after the completion of the rehabilitation works, aiming to enhance the use of the park as an active community space.

The activities included

· Group games for children to promote social interaction.
· Outdoor drawing and coloring activities to foster creativity.
· Light recreational competitions to create a positive environment inside the park.

An awareness session was also held for parents and children on the importance of preserving public spaces, the safe use of park facilities, and promoting positive behaviors in shared spaces.

Community Partnership to Ensure Sustainability

The initiative was implemented in coordination with the People’s Municipality in Al-Hasakah and with active participation from the local community, as residents contributed to cleaning campaigns and community support, which strengthened the sense of ownership and responsibility toward the park.

According to the sustainability plan, the park has been handed over to the municipality for management and maintenance supervision, with permanent security assigned to ensure the safety of the facilities and the continued use of the park as a safe and inclusive public space.

Impact Beyond Infrastructure to the Community

The rehabilitation initiative of Ugarit Park represents an important step toward enhancing social cohesion and reviving public spaces in Al-Hasakah City, by providing a safe environment for children, an interactive space for families, and an open venue for community activities.

Thus, the impact of the project extends beyond improving infrastructure to enhancing the quality of life and reconnecting the community with its public space, within a sustainable development vision that places people at the heart of the development process.

Within the activities of the “NAF” project, and during the second year of implementation, the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development continues to carry out the “Adaptation” phase, aimed at enhancing the economic stability of the most vulnerable families and empowering local communities to build sustainable and viable business models in the Al-Karamah area of Al-Raqqa Governorate

In this context, during the first phase, the Foundation succeeded in supporting nine productive projects within the livestock sector (sheep and cattle), benefiting nine out of the twelve targeted groups under the project. The support included providing the projects with an integrated package of productive assets and essential operational supplies, consisting of

283 heads of sheep
10 lambs and 5 rams
9 cows with their calves
5 tons of hay
6 tons of white barley
8 tons of black barley
2 tons of yellow corn
7 tons of white bran
3 tons of compound feed

Each group consists of between 15 and 20 members, totaling 200 heads of households, who will directly benefit from the assets and supplies provided, thereby improving their economic opportunities and enhancing their sources of income

The next phase also includes completing the delivery of a set of supporting services and supplies for the projects, including
(Agricultural nurseries – agricultural plowing services – block production factories – construction materials and additional operational equipment)

This intervention is part of an integrated approach focused on supporting collective projects by providing them with the necessary in-kind inputs and assets to launch and develop their economic activities

The support is planned to cover 12 integrated productive groups, along with the implementation of a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing beneficiaries’ capacities in management, governance, and marketing, in addition to providing specialized vocational and technical training tailored to the nature of each project and its operational needs

During the second phase, the Dan Foundation continues its efforts to complete the provision of the remaining operational assets for the projects, ensuring the sustainability of the production process and improving the efficiency of the projects and their ability to generate stable economic returns over the long term

Through this approach based on economic empowerment and livelihood development, the Foundation seeks to create a tangible developmental impact that contributes to strengthening the resilience of local communities, creating sustainable income opportunities, and stimulating the local economy, thereby supporting development pathways based on self-reliance and community sustainability

As part of the “Colors of Peace” initiative, the Dan Foundation for Relief and Development conducted a series of awareness sessions in several schools and social centers in Al-Hasakah city. The aim was to enhance community awareness among adolescents regarding the dangers of landmines and war remnants

The initiative’s team carried out 11 awareness sessions targeting adolescent students, focusing on several key themes, most notably

· The dangers of landmines and war remnants
· The dangers of using weapons
· Safe behaviors and preventive measures
· Promoting the values of peace and social responsibility

These sessions were implemented in coordination with school administrations and social centers, with active participation from influential members of the local community, including teachers, counselors, and community activists. This contributed to enhancing the acceptance of the awareness messages and ensuring their relevance to the local context

In addition, the foundation organized supportive community activities within the schools, including art competitions for children and adolescents centered around concepts of peace, safety, and the rejection of violence, through drawing and artistic expression. These activities formed a complementary part of the awareness sessions, giving students the opportunity to express their understanding of the presented messages through creative methods, thus helping to establish the concepts of peace and safety in an interactive and impactful manner

These activities fall under the mine risk awareness and war remnants project being implemented by the foundation in the cities of Al-Hasakah and Al-Shaddadi, aiming to enhance community safety and support the most vulnerable groups