When the heartfelt dream of returning home meets the harsh realities faced by displaced families in northern Syria’s camps, the scene becomes painfully overwhelming.. Thousands of families wait with bated breath for the day they can return home, to where they belong, but daunting challenges stand in the way of this dream.

In the midst of these hardships, the role of humanitarian organisations and emergency response teams becomes a beacon of hope. These teams work to provide temporary shelters that offer displaced families protection against the brutal winter, alongside a fragile but vital sense of hope for a return to normalcy..

Through a partnership with the UNHCR and a meticulous assessment of the basic needs of displaced families, WATAN established a temporary shelter centre in Killi, Idlib countryside. This centre forms part of WATAN’s broader response to ensure protection and comfort for vulnerable families during the harsh winter months.

Mohammed Sadeq, Shelter and Non-Food Items Programme Coordinator, shared insights into the project:“This centre was established to protect families living in northern Syria’s camps from the risks posed by severe weather and natural disasters. It’s equipped with four large tents that can accommodate up to 240 individuals, along with dedicated sanitation facilities, including units designed for people with special needs.”

He added, “These efforts are part of a comprehensive plan within the Shelter and Non-Food Items Programme, which also includes rehabilitating camp sites, replacing damaged tents, and providing essential shelter materials. Our goal is to ensure displaced families can return safely to their towns and villages once conditions improve.”

Previously, WATAN rehabilitated the Maarat Misrin Shelter Centre, which hosted over 400 families fleeing intense bombardments in Idlib’s countryside. The centre was fully equipped with essential shelter supplies, providing warmth and comfort during their stay.

WATAN’s efforts go beyond offering temporary refuge. In collaboration with the UNHCR, the organisation conducts detailed assessments of the homes these families will eventually return to. These studies aim to ensure that families can return to safe, habitable homes—ready for life to resume in their towns and villages.

Simultaneously, WATAN works through diverse partnerships to restore life and sustainability in areas where displaced families are returning. This includes rehabilitating infrastructure, securing water supplies, and providing education and healthcare services—all vital for ensuring dignified, sustainable living conditions.

The combined efforts of humanitarian organisations and their partners significantly improve the realities faced by displaced families, paving the way for their safe and lasting return. Through ambitious projects and thorough assessments, the dream of return transforms from a distant hope into a tangible reality—achieved step by step.

In time, each family will begin to rebuild their lives, standing on their own feet. A long chapter of suffering will close, and new pages filled with hope, resilience, and self-reliance will be written.