Data-Driven Response

The “Dan for Relief and Development” Foundation has successfully completed the preparation of the “Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) Report” for 2026 in the rural countryside of Ras al-Ain / Sere Kaniye district, Al-Hasakah Governorate. This comprehensive assessment serves as a strategic tool providing a credible and reliable knowledge baseline to assist UN agencies, international organizations, and humanitarian funds active in Syria in designing and planning sectoral and sustainable response programs that address current urgent needs, while supporting preparedness building to receive the expected return of displaced persons to their villages and original areas in the coming period.

The assessment was implemented in full coordination and collaboration with the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Al-Hasakah, the Directorate of Ras al-Ain / Sere Kaniye District, and in close partnership with local stakeholders and community leaders to ensure the comprehensiveness of field data. The field data collection process was carried out during the period from July 5 to 13, 2026.

Methodology and Knowledge Impact

The assessment adopted a mixed-methods approach to ensure indicator accuracy; it included a field survey of 365 households (comprising 2,099 individuals) spread across 5 rural villages, cross-referenced with 19 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to cover 13 humanitarian and vital sectors.

Critical Sectoral Gaps (Key Assessment Findings):

Livelihoods and Economic Emergency: The community is experiencing a structural economic emergency; 88.5% of households suffer from a continuous monthly financial deficit (expenditures exceeding income), while 83.3% of households were severely affected by currency depreciation, making poverty and inflation the primary driver of 94.2% of community tensions and local stability challenges.

Protection and Humanitarian Security Gaps: The assessment identified a critical protection gap, as 89.6% of the population had not received any Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), alongside alarming indicators regarding child labor (54%) and early and forced marriage of girls (52.1%).

Water Quality and Environmental Gap (WASH): Although network coverage reaches 92.9%, the real gap lies in water safety; 96.7% of households do not apply any form of drinking water treatment, with 41.6% reporting a noticeable decrease in available water quantity.

Health and Education Gaps: 53.4% of households faced real barriers in accessing basic medical care due to the high cost of treatment and medicine, which parallels an educational crisis; 41.1% of households suffer from partial or complete child dropout from education due to direct financial burdens.

The assessment adopted a mixed-methods approach to ensure indicator accuracy; it included a field survey of 365 households (comprising 2,099 individuals) spread across 5 rural villages, cross-referenced with 19 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to cover 13 humanitarian and vital sectors.

The report provides a clear roadmap for international funding and implementing agencies to intervene through integrated programs that balance emergency response and early recovery support:

· Livelihoods and Food Security: Expand multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) programs and urgent food aid to cover the monthly household deficit and alleviate immediate economic pressures.

· Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion: Focus on ensuring water quality at points of use, rehabilitating existing networks, and supporting the operation of pumping stations through sustainable energy sources (such as solar energy, which is currently available at 94.7% in targeted locations).

· Protection and Mine Action: Launch urgent Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) campaigns targeting agricultural fields and pastures to ensure the safety of returnees and local residents, while strengthening traditional local mediation mechanisms trusted by over 89% of the community.

· Health and Education: Re-supply primary healthcare centers with essential and chronic medicines, support education costs (safe transportation, stationery) to reduce school dropout rates among adolescent girls, and incentivize cash-for-work programs to support damaged infrastructure.

The “Dan for Relief and Development” Foundation extends its thanks and appreciation to government entities for overcoming obstacles and facilitating humanitarian access to ensure the success of this assessment. We affirm our full readiness for joint cooperation and coordination with international partners and UN agencies to invest these field data in formulating effective response plans that support the resilience of vulnerable communities and prepare the ground for a sustainable and safe return

The Dan Relief and Development Foundation, within the framework of the “Women’s Empowerment in Raqqa and Hasakah” project in partnership with NPA, concluded the vocational training program in the field of pastry and bakery production, which targeted 25 women and girls from the most vulnerable groups, including survivors of gender-based violence and those at risk, in the city of Raqqa.

The training was implemented in cooperation with the Bahar Organization at the Women’s and Girls’ Safe Center (WGSS), and lasted for three months, during which the participants acquired practical skills in preparing pastries and baked goods according to professional methods that take into account the requirements of the local market, contributing to enhancing their opportunities for work and production.

The program aims to economically empower women by providing them with applicable vocational skills that help them establish small projects or work in this field, thereby enhancing their financial independence and supporting their ability to improve their living standards, within a safe environment that takes into account the needs of women and girls.

The program concluded with a ceremony distributing training completion certificates to the participants, in appreciation of their commitment and successful completion of the training stages, in a step that represents the beginning of a new phase of professional and economic empowerment.

Dan is scheduled to distribute work tools and supplies specific to pastry and bakery production to the graduates, helping them to start their productive projects and transform the skills they acquired into a sustainable source of income.

This activity comes within the Foundation’s efforts to enhance women’s economic empowerment and support the most needy groups, by providing vocational training programs linked to labor market needs and contributing to building sustainable livelihoods.

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 enhance women’s protection and empower them economically and socially, the DAN Foundation for Relief and Development launched a vocational training program in tailoring within the safe space for women and girls at the foundation’s center in the Al-Sabha area in the Deir ez-Zor countryside.

The training began in June with the participation of 20 women returnees from Al-Hol Camp and will continue over a period of two months, as part of a series of activities implemented by the foundation to support the most vulnerable women and help them build a more stable future.

The program aims to equip participants with essential professional skills in tailoring, enabling them to enter the labor market or launch their own small projects in the future, in addition to providing the necessary tools to help them begin their professional journey.

The training also contributes to enhancing self-reliance, creating opportunities for sustainable income sources, as well as supporting the psychological and social recovery of participants and strengthening their integration into their local communities, thereby reinforcing the role of women as active partners in the recovery and development process.

DAN continues to implement programs aimed at empowering women and girls, stemming from its belief that capacity building and creating economic opportunities are essential pillars for achieving sustainable recovery and strengthening social cohesion.

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.

Amid the service-related challenges facing rural areas, community initiatives emerge as a window of hope that restores vitality to daily life and opens the way toward more sustainable development

DAN Foundation for Relief and Development took the initiative to install 40 solar-powered streetlights along the main road of Jazrat Al-Shati village in the Al-Jazrat area of the Deir ez-Zor countryside

The activity was implemented by the Noor Initiative group in response to residents’ suffering from the absence of lighting despite the availability of poles along the road. This step aims to enhance security and safety, stimulate economic activity during nighttime hours, facilitate residents’ movement, and improve the quality of daily life. The initiative also embodies the spirit of community cohesion through cooperation between residents and supporting entities, and represents a model of sustainable development solutions based on clean energy

The DAN Foundation office in the Al-Jazrat area of the Deir ez-Zor countryside operates through three main departments that seek to support the local community across various aspects:

Community Health Department: Works on implementing health awareness sessions aimed at raising awareness and changing harmful behaviors related to public health

Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Department: Provides vocational training in agriculture and modern irrigation methods, women’s tailoring, and veterinary services. It also offers grants for small projects, supports owners of livestock and agricultural land, implements Cash for Work activities, and provides free veterinary examination services through specialized veterinarians to support livestock in the area

Community Protection Department: Implements awareness sessions related to protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in addition to legal protection sessions

Through these initiatives, DAN Foundation for Relief and Development affirms its continued commitment to supporting local communities and enhancing environmental and health awareness, contributing to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment. This reflects the importance of joint efforts between the foundation and the community to achieve genuine and sustainable development

Dan Relief and Development has completed the rehabilitation works of Sunbul Primary School, located in the Hajin area of eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside. The school had suffered severe damage as a result of the war in Syria, which negatively affected the educational process in the area

:The rehabilitation works included

Interior and exterior painting

Floor tiling

Repair of the damaged school perimeter wall

Installation of wooden doors for classrooms

Installation of iron doors for the corridor entrance and stairwell

Installation of wooden windows

Installation of glass panes for windows

Maintenance of some doors, including locks and painting

Oil-based painting and finishing works

Installation of a solar power system for the school

Provision of two drinking water tanks, each with a capacity of 2,000 liters

Construction of a sidewalk around the school building to protect the structure

Connection and installation of the internal electrical network

Exterior roughcast (tyrolean) coating for the building and school wall

Installation of iron window guards for classrooms and corridors

Following the rehabilitation, the number of enrolled students increased from 240 to 477 boys and girls, reflecting the positive impact of the intervention in expanding the school’s capacity and improving the learning environment. The school currently includes 12 fully equipped classrooms, staffed by 17 teachers in addition to the administrative team.

The rehabilitation of Sunbul Primary School aims to integrate children targeted by Dan’s education project into the formal education system, contributing to the continuity of education and supporting the recovery of the local community from the effects of conflict.

Dan Relief and Development reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting the education sector, considering it a fundamental pillar for reconstruction and for empowering children to build a better future.

As winter approaches, bringing additional challenges for displaced families, Dan Relief and Development launched a project titled “Together… Our Strength Lies in Our Unity” as an urgent response to the humanitarian needs resulting from the displacement of families from As-Suwayda Governorate to shelters in the Sayyida Zainab area in Rural Damascus.

The project, implemented in late December, provided emergency winter assistance to families affected by the conflict and displaced in Rural Damascus through cash assistance.

Six of the most vulnerable shelters were targeted, where support was provided to 313 families (1,650 individuals).

The project also included individual and group awareness sessions on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, while explaining the accountability and feedback mechanisms within the targeted centers.

Dan Organization remains committed to humanitarian response and providing support to affected families across various regions.

In displacement settings, families who have lost their homes and struggle to secure a hot meal in the harsh winter search for a safe way to cook—one that offers their children a minimum sense of warmth and security. In such moments, rapid response becomes a beacon of hope that restores a measure of reassurance.
In this context, Dan Relief and Development Organization, in partnership with DCA, distributed kerosene stoves designed for cooking to displaced families from Al Shekh Maqsoud and ALAshrafiya neighborhoods in Aleppo, currently residing in camps and collective shelters in the town of Tabqa in

northeastern Syria.

The activity included the distribution of 53 kerosene stoves, accompanied by 25 liter fuel jerrycans, benefiting 53 displaced families. The goal was to enable them to prepare their daily meals safely. The stove’s practical design also provides a modest amount of warmth during use.
This intervention comes amid the difficult living conditions faced by displaced families and the urgent need for basic cooking means that ensure a minimum level of food security within camps and shelters.
This activity was carried out as part of the emergency program that Dan Relief and Development Organization prioritizes, reaffirming swift response and humanitarian commitment to the most vulnerable groups, and aiming to alleviate the suffering of displaced people and provide them with the minimum essentials for a dignified life during times of crisis

2026 January
The Syria NGO Forum (SNGOF) urgently calls on all parties to the conflict in Aleppo to
immediately de-escalate hostilities and uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian
Law (IHL). The protection of civilians must remain paramount and non-negotiable as violence
. continues
Recent escalations have resulted in at least 12 civilian casualties with multiple more injured, again
forcing 139,000 people to flee their homes, with over 1,100 seeking refuge in overcrowded
emergency shelters where heating is scarce and temperatures hover near freezing with heavy
snowstorms this winter period. These communities have already endured multiple cycles of
displacement, insecurity, widespread contamination, and loss over the past 14 years, and
renewed violence risks compounding their suffering.
Coordination mechanisms have observed a rapid deterioration in humanitarian operating
conditions in Aleppo over the past 72 hours. Movement restrictions, localized curfews, suspension
of flights at Aleppo International Airport, and temporary closure of public institutions (including
hospitals in proximity to conflict lines) have significantly constrained humanitarian access and
civilians’ ability to seek assistance and safe movement. Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided
immediately to affected and displaced communities in the face of the crisis. Amid the ongoing
crisis, all actors must urgently prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals from protection
risks and safeguard their rights, dignity and access to essential services.
SNGOF reiterates to all parties their binding obligations that attacks on civilians and civilian
infrastructure are prohibited under IHL. We urge strict compliance with these obligations,
including:
● Protection of civilians and civilian objects at all times.
● Safeguarding essential services and humanitarian access, ensuring continuity of lifesaving assistance.
● Avoiding indiscriminate attacks and upholding proportionality and distinction principles.
At this pivotal moment, when prospects for recovery are within reach, the SNGOF calls for urgent
de-escalation. If allowed to continue, renewed hostilities will only deepen community suffering,
reverse fragile recovery gains, and undermine prospects for stability that still remain within reach.
The SNGOF is a coordination, representation, and advocacy platform for national and
international NGOs in Syria that brings together 178 international and national NGOs, networks,
and observers delivering humanitarian, early recovery, and development assistance, across all
governorates of Syria