Supporting economic and livelihood recovery in Syria
“This project is excellent; it gives us strength and helps us stand up and start working again. We have hope in life, hope to continue working.” – Ammar Ali, project participant
In February 2023, powerful earthquakes devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria, a region already destabilized by years of the Syrian conflict. The earthquakes killed more than 55,000 people, displaced almost 6 million people, and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Like millions of other survivors, Reem Om Mohamad and Ammar Ali lost their homes and sources of income and struggled to care for themselves and their families. The need to rebuild businesses and help people restore their livelihoods was immense.
After the earthquakes, CDP awarded a grant to the BINAA Organization for Development (Toplum Kalkinma Derneği) to reconstruct the marketplace in Azaz, Syria, which gave 120 workers, like Mohamad, a critical source of livelihood. It also gave 40 vendors, artisans and entrepreneurs, including Ali, a small grant to jump-start their businesses.
Fostering economic recovery
BINAA sought to rebuild the marketplace to create a vibrant, inclusive hub for commerce, trade and entrepreneurship and foster economic growth, community development and social cohesion post-earthquake.
BINAA began its work by coordinating with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and local council and formed a Community Representative Committee (CRC) to facilitate conversation between the community and program participants.
Once the contract and construction plans were finalized, the project announced the need for cash-for-work workers and began accepting applications. In total, 120 workers were chosen, 111 men and nine women, including four people with disabilities. The workers supported the construction of 40 commercial shops. This structure provided workers with much-needed income and an opportunity to gain experience.
In the video below, Reem Om Mohamad, a cash-for-work program participant, discussed how the program helped her provide for her family:
In collaboration with the CRC, BINAA held 164 consultation sessions for professionals in Azaz to raise awareness about the project and attract local vendors, artisans and entrepreneurs to participate in the marketplace.
Following these sessions, 40 participants (supporting 678 individuals) were selected to take part in the program. To support participating vendors with essential business skills and foster effective business management and long-term success, BINAA provided training in market management, entrepreneurship, sustainable practices and digital skills. The training was well received and equipped beneficiaries with the skills to sustainably rebuild and grow their businesses, ensuring long-term economic resilience.
Participants received rent-free shop facilities for one year and a $1,000 grant for tools and equipment. The financial support allowed them to invest in their businesses, increasing productivity and contributing to Azaz’s economic growth.
In the video below, Ammar Ali, a participating vendor, shared how the program helped him get back on his feet after the earthquake destroyed his mechanic shop:
By focusing on resilient infrastructure, the project promoted sustainable growth and safeguarded the marketplace’s durability to withstand future challenges, ensuring the community will continue to benefit for years to come. Rigorous quality control and monitoring during construction guarantee the marketplace’s safety and long-term sustainability.
The project directly benefited 1,731 people, but the entire population of Azaz, 290,243 individuals, will have access to the marketplace and the services the merchants offer.
CDP is proud to support BINAA’s efforts to foster economic stability and growth in Azaz and help individuals most affected by the 2023 earthquakes recover their livelihoods. BINAA’s work has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the community, providing immediate relief and laying the foundation for future resilience and growth.
Story by Ruja Entcheva.
