In the Al-Baydar and Al-Alayat areas of rural Raqqa, in partnership between World Vision International (WVI) and DRD Foundation, the Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups continue to deliver a practical and sustainable model for economic empowerment and community resilience, by fostering a culture of saving and investing in local potential

This initiative began with building participants’ capacities through specialized training in savings group management, internal lending, and financial fund administration, enabling them to lead their groups with efficiency and confidence. The project team also provided ongoing follow-up and regular technical support to ensure the smooth functioning of the groups and to enhance their sustainability.

Since the groups were established, 13 regular savings sessions have been held, and the groups continue their work consistently within their operational cycles, with members continuing to save, lend, and repay—a clear indicator of the model’s success and its capacity for sustainability and self-reliance.

During this period, 28 women succeeded in establishing two community savings groups, which mobilized savings and emergency funds exceeding 10 million Syrian pounds, in addition to providing approximately 30 internal loans that supported income-generating projects and addressed urgent household needs. Nearly 70% of participants were able to launch or develop economic activities that contributed to improving their income sources and enhancing their families’ living stability.

These efforts are reflected in real success stories: one participant launched a home-based tailoring project and later expanded it through two consecutive loans; another invested her loan in agricultural seedling production; while another started a layer chicken project that provided an additional source of income for her family. One woman also used the internal lending system to cover essential health needs, before later obtaining another loan that helped her family improve their housing conditions—while consistently repaying her loans on time.

These outcomes confirm that S4T groups go beyond the traditional concept of saving and lending, forming an integrated pathway that strengthens confidence, cooperation, community leadership, and sustainable economic empowerment—rooted in the community’s own potential. They prove that community-led solutions can generate real and lasting change when equipped with the right tools and support.

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.