Credit: Michael Feit
As the Syrian conflict enters its ninth year next year, Caritas Luxembourg has taken stock of its activities in Syria and has launched an appeal for donations.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Syrian local teams, surrounded and supported by experienced employees of Caritas Luxembourg, have been on site and support the victims. To help the more than six million displaced people throughout the country, Caritas Luxembourg distributes thousands of hot meals daily, as well as hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and kitchen equipment. Displaced persons who have no place to sleep are also provided with shelter.
In Homs, a city that has long been the scene of violent clashes, dilapidated houses are now being rebuilt and redeveloped with the support of Caritas Luxembourg, so that the inhabitants who have returned can stay warm this winter.
Caritas Luxembourg President Marie-Josée Jacobs explained: "We have already restored more than 300 homes by reinstalling doors and windows, repairing roofs, bringing back water and electricity. But there are still hundreds more to rehabilitate".
After almost a decade of incessant warfare, most Syrian children have no idea what it means to live in peace and there are thousands of orphans. To help them, Caritas Luxembourg has found and converted old buildings into orphanages. Schools have been rebuilt to provide education and safety to children of displaced families. Playgrounds have also been set up in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Marie-Josée Jacobs added that: "Today, the country is in ruins and needs support more than ever. However, many humanitarian organisations have left the country".
Individuals wishing to support Caritas Luxembourg projects can do so by making a donation via bank transfer to IBAN LU34 1111 0000 2020 0000 account (CCPL) or online at www.caritas.lu.
