ESMA MUHAMMED

Qamishlo (Qamishli)- Dar El-Rahme Children’s House in the city of Qamishlo, northeastern Syria, is the home of more than 50 orphans. It aims to provide education and health support and a safe space for children in order to build a future for them.

The Syrian civil war has left many children orphaned. Many children’s houses have been established in North and East Syria in order to prove them a safe space. Dar El-Rahme Children’s House, established in the city of Qamishlo in March 2021, is one of them. The center aims to support children left orphaned.

“The center is now the home of 50 children,” Intisar El-Ali, an executive of the house, told NuJINHA. “Some of the children have lost their mothers or fathers while some have lost their both parents. They find a warm home environment here, having a life with dignity.”

The idea of establishing a children’s house came forward when five orphans were found in the streets. “We had to provide them a safe space. Now, 15 experts work at the center. Children learn how to read and write. Girls and boys stay in separate sections. The girls' section has three dormitories, a dressing room and an education area. We also aim to develop the talents of the children by providing activities such as painting and dancing to them.”

‘We face financial challenges in meeting their needs’

Intisar El-Ali mentioned the challenges faced by them. “The center does not receive sufficient financial support from local and international organizations so that we do not have capacity to support more children. Children are enrolled in schools, and their lessons are monitored by expert teachers. In addition, our counselors provide psychological support to children so that they overcome the trauma and integrate into society. We face financial challenges in paying salaries and meeting the needs of children. Despite that, we never lose our hope to make more efforts for building a better future for the children. The Autonomous Administration supports us by providing fuel, food and some logistics materials.”

Call for support

Intisar El-Ali concluded her speech by drawing attention to the importance of solidarity.

“We call on local and international organizations to provide us with sustainable support. We must be able to take care of children until we ensure that they can stand on their own legs. Dar El-Rahme is not only a center but also a home that embraces the dreams of these children and illuminates their path.”