We came a few days ago from what turned out to be a decidedly more challenging and complex mission than usual, but, at the same time, rich in meaning. In our first group was me, Andrea ( Arianna’s brother) and Pietro Politi, our photographer. Unfortunately, the permits to enter Syria did not arrive right away and we had to wait three days, forcing us to stop at the Camp on the border first thing. However, we took advantage of that extra time to start our activities.
We anticipated visiting all the fragile families and meeting Zeno, the little tailor. Although it was not scheduled, time allowed us to do so. The activity funded for his father is going very well and the tailor shop is booming. We have purchased fabrics, as the costs are prohibitive for them. What makes us very proud is that the business is working! We have been able to see with our own eyes the bustle of people in the workshop, and that comforts us. Zeno’s dad now sews and makes, and he will send us pictures soon. Zeno, as expected, has resumed going to school regularly.
After visiting Zeno and having dinner at his home, we finally entered Syria and spent two intense days. On the first day, we visited as many fragile families as possible. Although we had planned four days, we only had two days. However, we made sure to visit all the cores of the “Little Dreams” project and stopped by our Help Point, where almost everyone came to see us.
We delivered school kits (no milk because it had already been distributed the previous week thanks to the team) to the nearly 200 families we support. Each child received a backpack with the necessary materials. This support is essential that without which they cannot attend school.
On the third day, another team of volunteers arrived from Italy and we connected with the AMAN Center. All 15 girl engineers from the project that we follow with Elaf, funded largely by an Italian benefactor, Alessandro, who wanted to be there at the start of the project, were present. We were impressed by the spirit of these girls, their desire for redemption and their ability to express themselves with competence and sympathy.
Leaving Syria, we returned to Turkey after a three-hour drive, joining our volunteers and moving late at night to the Camp. Over the next few days, we focused on the activities within it, which remain focused on supporting the 130 nuclei of orphans. We distributed cards that can be used in the marketplace to buy basic necessities and checked on the condition of the children. The situation has improved over time, but there is still much to be done.
We also distributed milk for the malnourished little ones and not only for the children who cannot be breastfed. We followed up on school activities, an immense effort, as the teacher really does wonders in a context where there is no obligation to go to school.
Finally, we completed visits to the remaining fragile families. We met the dad who makes the bracelets and took them home, ready for those who request them.
Some team members returned to Italy last Sunday. Pietro, Valentino-the second photographer-we stayed at the Camp until last Tuesday for the continuation of activities.
