Aleppo: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded phase 2 of a livelihood project for widows and displaced families in northern Syria, aimed at empowering widows and young people from displaced families through vocational training programs and cash grants to start small enterprises. A graduation ceremony was held to honor 240 women who completed the vocational training. The ceremony was attended by the head of QRCS's office in Turkiye, Mazen Abdullah; Deputy Governor of Aleppo, Dr. Barakat Al Yousef, and director of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (ARCS) - Aleppo chapter, Hael Assi.

According to Qatar News Agency, the graduates are now qualified to start their own business, creating better chances of sustainable income and a stronger economic situation locally. The project serves a total of 2,250 direct and indirect beneficiaries. Over eight months of training, it targeted 800 beneficiaries, including 480 women and 320 young women and men. Additionally, 450 cash grants were provided to new enterprises that met the requirements, with supervision and technical support from QRCS's team to ensure the success and sustainability of these projects.

A wide range of trainings were offered, including small business management for young people, as well as empowerment of widows in popular professions such as cooking, confectionery making, sewing, beauty centers, and handicrafts. Another benefit from the project was the restoration of an abandoned training building that had been used as a school, but was destroyed as a result of bombing. It was transformed into a modern training center that provides a safe and effective educational environment for the community.

This project represents a significant step towards socioeconomic stability in northern Syria, offering hope for many families affected by the conflict and contributing to a more solid future of self-sufficiency.