As 2024 came to a close, WATAN’s projects stood as beacons of success, fostering sustainability and driving positive change in the lives of countless families. These initiatives extended beyond Syria, reaching countries facing humanitarian and economic challenges.
Partnerships & Innovation:
The Pillars of SuccessWATAN’s achievements were built on strong partnerships with donors and international organisations, alongside the unwavering dedication of its teams. What began as emergency responses evolved into essential services supporting communities across diverse sectors.
Reviving Land, Empowering Farmers
Under WATAN’s Food Security and Livelihoods Programme, the EU-funded “Return to Homeland” project re-invigorated economic activity in Northwest Syria, focusing on enhancing the olive and vegetable value chains. This initiative boosted agricultural productivity, and improved farmers’ livelihoods.
The “Acadia” Olive Growers Association supported 1,625 farmers during the 2024 season through a modern mill, processing 944 tonnes of olives. An olive oil analysis lab conducted over 2,500 tests on 500 samples. Additionally, the project delivered 57 training days, facilitated 1,428 field visits, and provided employment for 7,140 workers in olive groves.
In vegetable farming, a women’s association cultivated 306 dunams, yielding 1,206 tonnes of produce and creating jobs for 1,630 workers. Greenhouses produced 677,250 seedlings, generating €20,878 in income, with farmers earning an average of €311.36 per dunam. A food processing unit handled 65,817 kg of fresh products.
To ensure the long-term impact of the project, 120 days of governance training were provided, enabling associations to develop strategic plans for 2025-2027.
Artificial Insemination: A Leap in Livestock Productivity
In collaboration with the FAO, WATAN launched an artificial insemination and reproductive treatment project in Northwest Syria. Veterinary teams conducted 23,522 field visits, training 47 veterinarians and technicians, ultimately reaching 6,126 beneficiaries.
The project inseminated 3,716 cows, confirming 2,244 pregnancies. Additionally, 15,050 ovulation sponges were used on sheep, resulting in 13,261 pregnancies, including 4,469 twin births—an impressive pregnancy rate of 88.14% and a twin rate of 33.7%.
Veterinary care covered 2,999 fertility cases, treating 3,085 cows and 72,362 ewes. The project also tagged 3,541 cows, supported 1,091 calves, and provided mobile veterinary consultations, significantly improving livestock productivity and farmers’ well-being.
Healthcare Impact: Strengthening Medical Services
WATAN strengthened healthcare infrastructure in Northwest Syria, supporting 8 blood banks and 71 hospitals. This led to the collection of 67,861 blood bags and the distribution of 79,632 units.A WHO-supported mobile app streamlined blood bank operations, benefiting 1,312 thalassemia patients.
Primary healthcare centres in Kafr Jannah, Azaz, and Al-Bab treated 72,000 patients, dispensing 65,000 prescriptions. Meanwhile, the “Afia” project provided cash vouchers for medication, supporting 3,793 chronic illness patients.
In response to emergencies, WATAN collected 750 blood bags daily, distributing 800 units to hospitals in Aleppo, Homs, and Manbij. Blood drives in Damascus and Homs further reinforced medical support. The integration of the Aleppo Central Blood Bank into WATAN’s network improved efficiency and patient care.
Economic Empowerment: Rebuilding Lives
With REALs’ support, WATAN launched a cash assistance project in Teftanaz, Idlib, providing378 earthquake-affected families with $100 monthly for four months, easing the financial burden. In Turkey, 15 families in Hatay received cash support, helping them regain stability.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Projects
Partnering with IOM, WATAN established new water networks for 11,323 beneficiaries, providing clean drinking water. Solar-powered systems served 5,480 people, while new sewage lines benefited 8,290 individuals, improving health and environmental conditions.
Over 12,281 hygiene kits were distributed, along with water tanks and waste containers. Camps received daily clean water supplies, septic services, and solid waste removal, reducing health risks. In Hatay, 150 hygiene kits were provided to earthquake-affected families.
A standout achievement was the launch of the MRF solid waste treatment unit, converting hazardous waste into organic compost for community gardens, promoting environmental sustainability.
Emergency Response & Camp Protection
WATAN distributed 1,987 emergency kits across 480+ camps, sheltering 18,850 displaced people with 3,577 new tents. Plastic insulators helped 2,316 families withstand extreme weather. Infrastructure upgrades in 43 camps improved conditions for 67,042 individuals.
Sustainable solutions included dignified shelters in Deir Hassan, collective centres in Kelly and Maaret Misrin, and equipped rest stops at the Aoun Al-Dadat and Abu Al-Zandeen crossings, supporting returnees from Lebanon.
In Hatay, 374 prefabricated housing units with full infrastructure provided safe, stable homes for earthquake survivors.
Protection Programme: Comprehensive Support & Milestones
WATAN’s Protection Programme managed 505 cases, supporting female-headed households, working children, and disabled individuals Psychosocial support reached 3,500 women and 1,200 men, while 7,300 children participated in child-friendly activities.
The programme also supported 120 individuals with mobility impairments, organised 15 children’s events, and launched “WATAN Cinema.” Additionally, 150 orphans received monthly sponsorships, ensuring their essential needs were met.
Responding to Gaza’s Crisis
In Gaza, amidst escalating conflict, WATAN provided food baskets for 5,000 families, 6,300 chicken meals, and 3,000 meat and vegetable dishes. Additionally, 7,714 water tankers were supplied, alongside 2,500 blankets and mattresses to vulnerable families.
A field hospital in Khan Younis delivered urgent medical care, reflecting WATAN’s commitment to supporting Gaza’s resilience during crisis.
Looking Ahead: WATAN’s Vision for 2025
With a presence across all Syrian governorates, WATAN plans to expand operations in Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and Latakia in 2025. Local volunteer teams will conduct community assessments, ensuring strategic interventions that directly address people’s needs.
Beyond humanitarian aid, WATAN is committed to empowering Syrian youth as nation-builders. Future priorities include strengthening institutions, fostering economic growth, enhancing education, and promoting social cohesion.
Believing that Syrian youth are the true force behind a free and dignified homeland, WATANwill continue investing in their potential. With these bold steps, every Syrian governorate will become part of WATAN’s success story, embodying the hope and progress that drive our mission forward.