Syrian Families in Need: UWCiM Students Fundraiser in Response to the Earthquake

As of this moment, more than 41,000 individuals, and still counting, have been confirmed dead subject to the devastating earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey on February 6, in addition to that, about 5 million people are currently displaced and, in many cases, they have nowhere to go.

Families in Syrian cities such as Hama, Aleppo, Latakia, and Jableh have been severely affected by the earthquake. Not only did most of these families lose their houses, many lost their loved ones. Scenes of children screaming while trapped under rubble and people mourning the loss of their families have become a part of everyday life in Syria.

As Syrian students attending United World College in Mostar, Shahin Hamzeh and myself, Mihiar Wannousse, in cooperation with other UWC students, are organizing a fundraiser to help our families and friends in Syria to recover from this humanitarian crisis. We genuinely believe that together as an international community and its connections we can make a difference with the minimum amount of effort.

For those able, we need your financial support. Your donations are welcomed, no matter how big or small, as they can contribute in many ways. It is estimated that with about 10 euros can purchase more than 37 bread packets, or 340 baby diapers, or 5,400 grams of infant formula. With about 15 euros, a month's rent in an apartment complex can be paid for an average 5-person family.

All funds raised will be directly sent to two NGOs. The first is the Hayat Institution based in Damascus since 2016, which has worked with other well-established NGOs such as Saed Organisation, the GDCA (Growth and development for Charity organization), and the Youth Charity Assembly, as a part of the National Campaign for Earthquake Affected People (NCEAP). With the money previously donated to this NGO, they have been able to support families in Jableh, Hama, Aleppo, and Latakia with clothing and nutrition in addition to supplying them with blankets and tents for temporary shelters. Currently, they are using all donations to house displaced families by renting apartment complexes and keeping children in schools by paying the expenses. The second organization we will be donating to is organized by the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Damascus. The main goal of this initiative is to support families with essential requirements in Latakia, Aleppo, and Hamma such as baby milk and diapers, as well as medical care that includes (blood pressure and heart disease medications, diabetes Insulin shots, etc.). In addition, financial aid is being supplied for those in need of assistance with paying rent.

Recovering from such a crisis will be impossible if we do not stand together, hand in hand, and help those in need immediately. We strongly encourage all of you to be a part of this recovery process and provide what may be a life-saving donation.

With respect and appreciation,

Mihiar and Shahin UWCiM.