Posted on 11 January, 2017

As we wind up celebrations for one of the most significant events on the Christian calendar, Syria – the Cradle of Christianity – enters thesixth year of a conflict that has causedprofound human suffering and horrific destruction.

In a population of 21.4 million people, 13.5 million require humanitarian assistance, 4.9 million are trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas where they are exposed to grave protection threats and 4.8 million are living as refugees in neighbouring countries. More than half of those displaced are children and youth (OCHA).

ADRA Australia is supporting women and children affected by this protracted crisis, both inside Syria and among refugee communities in Lebanon.

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ADRA Syria staff with Internally Displaced (IDP) children in Damascus

In Syria, the Emergency Reception Centre (ERC) for Protection and Education Project was recently established with supportfrom the ADRA Network, to helpwomen and children affected by gender-based violence, exploitation, forced-labour, and early marriage. Procurement for the purchase of furniture and equipment to establish the centre was completed in December. The centre will provide services such as mental health and psychosocial support, legal counselling, education support for children and assistance with the development of job opportunities for 600 families.

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ADRA teams conducting assessments in Syria

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An ADRA Syria staff member with internally displaced (IDP) families currently living in Syria

In Lebanon, the Community Initiatives for Syrian Children to Access Education (CISCAE II) Project is working to ensure that children have access to a safe and familiar learning environment, that helps them to integrate into the Lebanese school system. It also provides crucial activities that support children to cope with the trauma and stress they have experienced. Read more about this project and download a summary to share with others in your network.

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Syrian refugee boys standing in front of their mini-bus after drop-off at the CISCAE II centre in Lebanon

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Syrian refugees children from an ADRA Lebanon Learning Centreon an outing with Caregivers

Please help support ADRA’s programs for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Syria, by making your urgentdonationtoday.