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 efforts to enhance community readiness and rapid emergency response, the Dan Relief and Development Foundation has recently completed the distribution of disaster response and firefighting equipment in the town of Hajjira in Rural Damascus

This intervention comes within the context of strengthening local communities’ ability to face risks and mitigate the impact of fires and natural disasters
The activity involved 20 beneficiaries from two pre-selected groups who had been trained in fire and natural disaster response methods before being provided with integrated equipment sufficient for 10 individuals among the trainees, including
(Firefighting suits – Protective helmets – Heat-resistant boots – Fire extinguishers)

This program aims to develop qualified community teams capable of immediate intervention to protect lives and property, and to enhance local emergency response
These initiatives reflect the foundation’s commitment to strengthening community readiness and building beneficiaries’ capacities to ensure a safer and more resilient environment against disasters

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dan Foundation for Relief and Development completed the distribution of cash assistance to families displaced by the recent events and residing in several shelters in the city of Qamishli, with support from the War Child foundation

The distribution covered 219 families across 9 shelters, with each family receiving $150 USD, as part of the humanitarian response to the urgent needs of affected families

The foundation targeted families residing in the following centers: Maan bin Zaid School, Abd al-Ahad Younan School, the Teacher Training Institute, Muhammad Hussein Mustafa School, Ibrahim Hanano School (elementary and middle levels), Ararat Nursery, Lahdo Masoud School, and Ali bin Abi Talib School

This response followed continuous coordination with foundations operating in the region since the onset of the displacement wave, aiming to organize efforts and ensure that humanitarian services effectively reach those who deserve them

Enhancing Protection in Shelters

In parallel with the distribution efforts, the foundation carried out awareness sessions targeting women, men, and adolescents within the shelters, focusing on raising awareness of protection risks, beneficiary rights, and safe access pathways to services

The sessions addressed key principles, most notably the right to receive assistance without any form of compensation, the rejection of all forms of exploitation, and the promotion of a culture of safe reporting. The awareness activities also highlighted the importance of child protection, the risks of gender-based violence, and ways to access available support services with confidentiality and dignity

These activities are part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and supportive environment for all shelter residents

Dan Foundation for Relief and Development has completed the implementation of an activity to distribute disaster response and firefighting equipment kits in the villages of Al-Yarmouk and Al-Jarbou’ in rural Al-Raqqa. This step aims to strengthen the readiness of local communities to respond rapidly to fire risks and natural disasters
The activity targeted 10 beneficiaries selected from members of Al-Nour and Khirbet Al-Anab cooperatives, with five beneficiaries from each cooperative. They were nominated to participate as part of specialized teams formed specifically for this purpose
The distributed equipment included a comprehensive set of safety and protection tools, such as heat-resistant boots, helmets equipped with face and neck protection, 12 kg dry powder fire extinguishers, in addition to full firefighting suits, ensuring that the teams are well-prepared to handle various emergency situations

Prior to the distribution, beneficiaries received practical training focused on disaster response mechanisms and firefighting methods, which contributed to enhancing their efficiency and enabling them to effectively deal with potential risks in their areas
This activity comes as part of the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen the capacities of local communities and to build volunteer teams capable of protecting lives and property, and responding effectively to emergency challenges in rural Al-Raqqa

Amid the challenges of displacement and humanitarian crises, carefully directed initiatives continue to play a vital role in easing the suffering of affected families

In this context, the DAN Foundation for Relief and Development, in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and with funding from the Kingdom of Norway, has distributed multi‑purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to displaced people residing in collective shelters in the city of Qamishli. The operation targeted 11 shelters, covering 300 families, each of whom received a one‑time payment of 150 USD at the beginning of March

Additionally, at the end of February, the Foundation completed the fourth round of distributing 130 ready‑to‑eat (RTE) food baskets to 130 displaced families living in seven collective shelters in the city of Hasakah

Through these rapid interventions, DAN reaffirms its commitment to providing essential support to community members during times of crisis, demonstrating its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to urgent needs—thus solidifying its role as a leading actor in humanitarian response across affected areas

As part of its rapid response to the urgent needs of displaced people in Al‑Hasakah city, DAN Foundation for Relief and Development concluded, at the end of last February, the fourth round of distributing 130 Ready‑to‑Eat (RTE) food baskets to 130 displaced families residing in seven collective shelters across the city.

The distribution, which continued for a full month at a rate of one round per week, was carried out in cooperation with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), Funded by the Government of Norway within the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support those affected by the recent events in the area.

This emergency intervention aims to provide direct food assistance to displaced families living under harsh conditions and lacking basic necessities, helping to alleviate their suffering and support their ability to cope with daily challenges.

This distribution comes as part of DAN’s Emergency Response Program for Displaced People, which includes the provision of various urgent basic services to ensure the preservation of dignity for affected individuals under such difficult circumstances.

Through these rapid interventions, DAN Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing essential support to community members during times of crisis, reaffirming its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency needs, and strengthening its leading role in humanitarian response in affected areas.

As part of its ongoing humanitarian commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected and displaced families, the DAN Foundation for Relief and Development, in partnership with War Child\ WC organization, has successfully implemented a comprehensive emergency response campaign targeting collective shelters in the towns of Amuda and Qamishli in Al-Hasakah Governorate.

The foundation ensured the provision of an integrated support package to meet the basic needs of displaced families, which included:

Ready-to-Eat Food Baskets (470 baskets)
A total of 470 ready-to-eat (RTE) food baskets were distributed to displaced families in the shelters, aiming to meet their essential food needs amidst the difficult living conditions and food insecurity these families face.

The intervention was not limited to the distribution of relief items alone; it was accompanied by an integrated program of recreational activities and psychological support, reflecting the foundation’s comprehensive approach to humanitarian action.

Recreational PSS activities were organized for children, benefiting 470 children residing in the shelters. These sessions aimed to alleviate the psychological stress resulting from displacement and provide a safe space for children to express their feelings through purposeful recreational activities.

Furthermore, the foundation’s psychosocial support team provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) services to 470 beneficiaries, including both children and adults. This involved offering immediate emotional support, active listening to the most affected cases, and identifying urgent psychological needs for potential referral to specialized services when necessary.

In addition to food assistance and psychological sessions, Cash for Protection/ CfP was provided to over 100 of the most vulnerable families. This support included the provision of winter supplies, personal hygiene items, and medical services, whether treatments or medical equipment, along with other basic needs, all distributed based on a thorough needs assessment.

Impact of the Intervention and Continued Commitment

This intervention reflects the commitment of the “DAN Foundation” to providing a comprehensive humanitarian response that addresses both material and psychological needs, stemming from its vision aimed at enhancing human dignity and ensuring a safer and more stable life for affected families.

The foundation continues its work in partnership with local entities and supporters to extend a helping hand to those affected in various regions, as part of its ongoing endeavor to reach as many people in need as possible and mitigate the impact of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.