Faces of Resilience
UNHCR supports House Repair for Crisis-Affected Families in Dar’aText by Vivian Tou’meh
3 June 2024
Badriyah, together with son Wael and daughter- in- law are sitting in a room which was previously a warehouse. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Faces of Resilience
Text by Kathryn Mahoney
Photos by Sylvain Cherkaoui
17 April 2020
Badriyah, together with son Wael and daughter- in- law are sitting in a room which was previously a warehouse. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou’meh
Thousands of homes had been destroyed in Syria during the past 12 years.
Families were forced to seek refuge in makeshift shelters. Many are still displaced until this day or living in partially destroyed homes as loss of income, a deteriorating economic situation and rising prices have impeded their ability to fix what was damaged.
The crisis not only uprooted families but also left them vulnerable, including to the harsh winter seasons. Residents of Dar’a Al-Balad and surrounding villages share their experiences and tell stories of unwavering strength and how all support, no matter how humble, can make a big difference in their lives.
Faces of Resilience
I am glad that we were together as a family throughout all the awful times we lived.”
—Badriyah, 75
Badriyah’s warehouse turned into a home:
Dar’a Al-Balad turned into a battleground in 2015, causing damage to Badriyah’s house. Unfortunately, her son Khaled’s house was also completely destroyed. This forced the two families to seek refuge in a warehouse which was previously used for storing wheat and winter supplies. There, the family used blankets to cover the windows, and borrowed a door from the neighbour for the entrance, which was damaged due to the fighting.
As fighting renewed, their temporary shelter suffered structural damage yet again.
UNHCR stepped in and helped the family install windows, doors and sinks. These little adjustments, nonetheless, turned the warehouse into a more dignified place to live for Badriyah’s family.
“I am glad that we were together as a family throughout all the awful times we lived.”
Her story reflects the strength and unity of her family during hardships.
Badriyah, with her son Wael and daughter- in- law Jawaher stand in a room once used for storing wheat and winter supplies before the crisis. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Badriyah, together with son Wael and daughter- in- law are sitting in a room which was previously a warehouse. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Badriyah, together with son Wael and daughter- in- law are sitting in a room which was previously a warehouse. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
“While we still do not have doors and windows, we managed to repair the walls of our house with the support of UNHCR. This support was crucial, especially during the winter.”
—Issam, 38
Issam’s struggle in Sahwa village:
Issam’s house was also partly damaged. UNHCR’s support to install doors and windows as well as other minor repairs to the house helped his family cope with this loss.
Issam Badra is a 38-year-old father of four from Sahwa village in Dar’a Governorate. Issam and his family had no choice but to remain in their damaged house because they couldn’t afford rent fees.
“Working in the olive harvest, I earn approximately 150,000 Syrian Pounds, which is around 12 US dollars per day. This is not enough to cover my family’s expenses and repair the damaged home especially since I have no job during the winter. As a result, I fell into debt to make ends meet,” he said.
“While we still do not have doors and windows, we managed to repair the walls of our house with the support of UNHCR. This support was crucial, especially during the winter.”
“We urgently need a water tank, we currently share one tank for the entire two-floor building with our neighbours. One water tank is not enough for the two families to shower or wash the dishes,” he continued.
Issam with his four children inside their living room, which was partially damaged during the crisis. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Issam with his four children in the living room of his damaged house. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
The kitchen inside Issam’s house after installation of a window and a sink by UNHCR. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
“Before the installation of windows, my grandchildren suffered from dust coming from outside. They often got sick. Having windows helped keep them healthy and feeling safe.”
—Nihad, 59
Nihad’s restored house in Kahil village:
Nihad and her family were relieved with the improved living conditions. The installation of doors and windows significantly enhanced their well-being.
Nihad Kadri, a 59-year-old mother of three from Kahil village in Dar’a Governorate, works as a labourer at a public school.
In 2012, Nihad and her family fled Kahil village seeking safety. During their displacement, the family of 10 endured hardships, including having to be confined in a one-bedroom house for years. Nihad returned to Kahil village with her family for better living conditions, only to find her home in ruins.
To rebuild the damaged house, she was forced to sell the land she inherited from her family at a lower price than the market value. Despite her efforts, the money was insufficient to repair the damaged house completely. UNHCR stepped in to support by installing doors and windows. “Before the installation of windows, my grandchildren suffered from dust coming from outside. They often got sick. Having windows helped keep them healthy and feeling safe”, Nihad said.
However, Nihad faced yet another challenge, ensuring adequate lighting in her home at night. With only a small battery-powered LED lamp, she was only able to illuminate one room. With little financial means, she wasn’t able to buy additional lighting equipment for the house.
For thousands of families in Syria, the adverse conditions they undergo from severe weather, scarcity of fuel, financial strains, and electricity shortages, continue to cast a dark shadow on their path to recovery.
UNHCR is committed to helping these families live in dignified shelters and restore stability to shattered lives. All support, irrespective of its scale, has an impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Nihad and her family were relieved with the improved living conditions. The installation of doors and windows significantly enhanced their well-being
Nihad's grandchildren - Ali (10), Sham (8), and Mysarah - reading books together with UNHCR staff during a visit to Nihad's house in Kahil village, Dar’a Governorate. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Nihad with her grandchildren - Ali (10), Sham (8), and Mysarah in her house in Kahil village, Dar’a Governorate. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh
Nihad's grandchildren - Ali (10), Sham (8), and Mysarah - reading books together with UNHCR staff during a visit to Nihad's house in Kahil village, Dar’a Governorate. © UNHCR/Vivian Tou'meh