Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria - May 2024
UNDP SUPPORTS VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO EMPOWER PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Jaafar, along with 84 other people with disabilities from Lattakia and Tartous, is overcoming challenges thanks to UNDP-supported project “I am Able” funded by Finland. Through this initiative, Jaafar received vocational training, business startup equipment and psychosocial support. This project aims to empower people with disabilities by equipping them with skills, fostering economic independence, reducing unemployment, and ultimately creating a more inclusive society.
https://www.facebook.com/UNDP.Syria/videos/1171306163819237
UNFPA DELIVERS NEW SHIPMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SUPPLIES ARRIVES TO QAMISHLI CITY
A critical shipment of reproductive health supplies has arrived in Qamishli city, providing much-needed support for women and girls across northeastern Syria. This vital aid includes essential medications for pregnant and lactating women, along with family planning resources.
Thousands of women in camps, remote areas, cities and isolated villages will benefit from these supplies delivered through UNFPA-supported facilities. In collaboration with UNFPA’s partners, these facilities offer comprehensive healthcare and essential information to ensure the well-being and safety of women and girls.
UNHCR SUPPORTS RETURNEES IN KAFR ZEITA NEAR HAMA WITH LIVELIHOOD INTIATIVES
Despite immense challenges, 350 displaced families in Kafr Zeita showed remarkable resilience. UNHCR and partners are supporting them with livelihood initiatives, but more support is urgently needed.
https://www.facebook.com/UNHCRinSYRIA/posts/836548658515997?ref=embed_post
UNICEF SUPPORTS CONTINUED LEARNING FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Despite visual impairment, Yamama, 17, finds joy in learning French at a UNICEF-supported learning centre in Dar'a. “I want to study French literature and become a French teacher for children with visual impairments. I want to help them love the language like I do now,” Yamama said.
This isn't just Yamama's journey. UNICEF's self-learning programme in Dar'a reached over 5,100 children, including more than 450 with disabilities in 2023. This vital programme is part of a UN joint initiative, funded by the European Union and the Government of Norway. This joint effort aims to build resilience and create conditions for recovery in both urban and rural areas of Syria.
https://www.unicef.org/syria/stories/yamamas-education-journey-one-successful-step-time
UNRWA STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SPELLING BEE COMPETITION
The UNRWA Education Programme hosted a Spelling Bee competition at the UNRWA Damascus Training Centre on May 2nd. Forty-two top spellers grades 2 through 8 at UNRWA schools in Damascus participated, demonstrating their impressive vocabulary skills.
All participants received certificates and gifts in recognition of their achievement. The top two spellers were awarded trophies for their exceptional performance.
https://x.com/DUA_UNRWASyria/status/1787090529622073662
FAO SUPPORTS YOUTH AND WOMEN TO ESTABLISH AGRI-PRENEURIAL PROJECTS THROUGH ‘NABTA’
FAO in Syria is re-launching its agri-preneurship programme ‘Nabta’ to assist youth and women with bright ideas engaging in effective agricultural businesses.
The programme will provide business training to aspiring entrepreneurs in Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. Funded by UK Aid, it will train 1,500 participants to develop their business ideas. In Rural Damascus, the Adaptation Fund (AF) will support a separate programme exclusively training 70 women.
https://www.fao.org/syria/news/detail-events/en/c/1682976/
ILO HOSTS TRAINING OF TRAINERS ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN DAMASCUS
The ILO recently concluded a comprehensive Training of Trainers programme on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Damascus, held 26-30 May. This intensive programme equipped 20 dedicated labour and OSH inspectors with the skills and knowledge to enforce safety standards effectively. They will now be able to train others throughout Syria, empowering businesses and workers to create safer and healthier workplaces.
WHO REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN DR HANAN BALKHY VISITS SYRIA
Dr Balkhy recently concluded her first official visit to Syria. The visit aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the country's health situation, identify critical needs, and assess challenges faced by WHO's humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Balkhy met with Syrian officials, key donors, and partners in Damascus. She also traveled to Homs, Hama and Aleppo, where she engaged with local health authorities, spoke with healthcare workers and patients, and witnessed firsthand the impact on the country's health system.
The visit culminated in a significant development: the signing of a four-year Country Cooperation Strategy between WHO and the Syrian Ministry of Health. This strategy prioritizes building resilient health systems that advance Universal Health Coverage, ensuring all Syrians have access to quality care.
WFP STEPS UP TO ASSIST 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE IN SYRIA WITH EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF IN MAY
Many families in Syria faced hardship after the WFP's general food assistance programme stopped in December due to funding shortages. However, there was a glimmer of hope in May when WFP resumed aid, albeit with limited resources prioritized for the most food insecure.
In Kafrgbessa, a town in Idleb only recently accessible due to conflict, families were particularly relieved to see WFP assistance trucks arrive. Om Emad, an elderly woman who recently returned home after displacement, relies solely on humanitarian aid. "Living alone with no income is very difficult," she said. "Today, I'm so grateful for this food assistance."
WFP continues to urge for further funding to maintain this vital lifeline.
https://x.com/WFP_Syria/status/1794649380756283777
