In a collaborative humanitarian effort, the Ghiras al-Khair Humanitarian Association, in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), launched a new initiative titled “A Hopeful Smile” (Basmat Amal) to provide comprehensive care for orphans and their families across Syria.
The project aims to sponsor 900 orphaned children, aged 5 to 13, along with their families in the provinces of Idlib, Homs, and the Damascus countryside. Scheduled to run for a full year, the initiative will deliver a broad support package that includes healthcare, psychological counseling, and direct financial assistance to help families meet essential needs.
Official Support and a Long-Term Vision
At the project’s launch, Munir Mustafa, representative of the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, praised the initiative as “the result of persistent efforts to care for orphans and empower them to build their futures.” He confirmed the ministry’s readiness to provide all necessary support and facilities to the organizations involved.
Abbas Shamsuddin, Executive Director of Ghiras al-Khair, said the program’s long-term goal is to “turn orphans into active members of society by empowering them and their families through special projects.” He explained that the sponsorship includes various in-kind and educational aids designed to reduce families’ financial burdens and promote self-reliance.
Shamsuddin noted that since its founding in 2014, the association has focused on developing sustainable programs that advance orphan sponsorship by improving living standards for vulnerable families.
Building Resilience and Social Cohesion
Aisha al-Debs, Head of the Women’s Affairs Office (WAO) in Syria, emphasized the importance of such projects in supporting orphans and other vulnerable groups, particularly after years of war. She added that these efforts help strengthen social solidarity and community cohesion, essential elements in rebuilding a resilient society.
The launch event also featured a short film introducing the project and a panel discussion titled “Orphan Care: Between Psychological Support and Post-War Community Empowerment.” Participants from humanitarian and social sectors underscored the importance of providing orphans with comprehensive care and improving coordination among aid organizations.
Operating since 2014, Ghiras al-Khair Humanitarian Association has remained active in orphan sponsorship during the war, extending its work to northern Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon. Its collaboration with KSRelief reflects a growing regional effort to promote sustainable humanitarian development and restore dignity to those most affected by conflict.
