The great earthquake on the 6th of February, damaged both infrastructure and homes, and it forced many families into turmoil. This did not only destroyed buildings but also destroyed the lives of countless individuals, and led to an unprecedented surge in displacement and devastation. As the dust cleared, the urgent cry for shelter and solace echoed through the air, reflecting the challenges faced by families struggling to secure housing or even afford rent. For many, this traumatic event represented a huge struggle in adjusting to their new reality, with some choosing to remain within the walls of their damaged homes, going against the odds against them, and the soaring prices of construction materials.
Amidst the chaos, hundreds of families held onto to their homes, even as these shelters carried scars that couldn’t be ignored – cracks in their walls, remnants of the quake and its aftershocks. Their aspirations to fix parts of their lives were held back by financial constraints. Among these brave souls stands Hajj Naif, a resident of Batbu in the northern Idlib countryside. “My house suffered moderate damage,” he shared, “but my inadequate income, which barely covers the needs of my family, cannot be enough to repair it. I shall wait until fortune comes upon me, and then, restoration shall follow.” Hajj Naif’s words resonate with the countless families wrestling with the aftermath of disaster, striving for normality amid the difficulty of economic struggles.
In the face of such trials, WATAN rose to the occasion, revealing a project that would breathe new life into homes shattered by the wrath of the earthquake. The project’s compass pointed towards towns like Batbu, Kulli, and Hazano, located within the northern Idlib countryside. Compassionately it aimed to instill safety and comfort. Mohsen Hashash, a Field team leader, explained its profound essence, highlighting its role in breathing new life into the afflicted individuals, pushing them towards improved living conditions.
Numbers often carry stories, and the numbers here speak of more than 200 families that were directly affected –many of whom were hit hard by the earthquake. The project did not only fix walls and roofs; the restoration encompassed the very heartbeat of a home – the safety of doors and windows, the constancy of electricity, and the flow of water through plumbing. The sheer scale of this endeavor is a testament to WATAN’s resilience, and its persistent determination to instill hope and renewal in the communities after the tragedy.
Guided by a vision of unity, WATAN’s collaboration with both local and international partners demonstrates an orchestra of shared experiences and pooled resources. Through this harmonious collaboration, programs and projects resonates effectively and sustainably. Together, they form a strong front, a collective endeavor dedicated to driving positive change, ushering stability, and kindling the spark of hope within the hearts of those left vulnerable bythe disaster.
Said by Hajj Naif, words of gratitude flow like a river – a river that intertwines with WATAN’s support, providing a lifeline for his family amidst the chaos. His voice echoes in a chorus of appreciation, directed toward all those who played a role in reviving these towns, in saving the threads of life when disaster left them strained.
As WATAN moves forward, its steps are marked by a firm determination, and a commitment to positively impact more lives. In partnership with local and international allies, the organization’s compass remains firmly directed towards those in need. The enduring and sustainable support from compassionate donors drives WATAN’s mission forwards, ensuring that vital aid remains uninterrupted, weaving a brighter future for those dealing with the earthquake’s traumatic aftermath.