Sawyan: livelihoods and civil society in northwest Syria

The main objective is to reduce the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the Aljamea camp and to strengthen its resilience by developing sustainable livelihoods. The project supports the most affected families, provides appropriate training and helps young people join the labour force, reducing unemployment in the camp.

Beneficiaries are trained to set up small businesses, and a group of projects that meet the camp’s vulnerability criteria receive support. EPISA follows up with grant recipients throughout the project and after it ends, highlights success stories and works to keep the businesses going.

The Sawyan network

“Sawyan: Empowering Civil Society in northwest Syria”, funded by the European Union, includes the creation of a local development network in Idlib governorate, the Sawyan Network. The network aims to:

• Share information on humanitarian needs and services in Idlib governorate, and mobilize and advocate so that these needs are met at every level.
• Exchange experiences, success stories and good practices from the projects its members have implemented.
• Share capacity-building opportunities that help empower administrative and volunteer staff.
• Increase coordination, cooperation and networking among members to save effort, time and cost, avoid duplication and reach as many families and vulnerable people as possible.
• Work together on funding opportunities and apply as a consortium to meet the needs of the current stage in northwest Syria and donors’ priorities across sectors.