By Omar Abdurrahman
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Deir ez-Zor remains one of the most war-ravaged areas in Syria, with years of conflict leaving homes and infrastructure in ruins. Amid this devastation, a group of young men and women have united under the initiative “New Deir ez-Zor” to rebuild parts of their city.
A Vision for recovery
The initiative aims to rehabilitate damaged homes, create green spaces, and provide job opportunities, according to its organizers.
“In response to the pressing challenges our community faces, we launched this initiative involving dozens of young people,” says Ali al-Jassem, one of the coordinators, speaking to North Press.
Al-Jassem emphasizes that this is not merely a reconstruction project but a comprehensive vision to enhance the quality of life in the city following its liberation.
“We are restoring homes using locally available materials to reduce reliance on external aid,” he explains.
Additionally, the team is working to plant green areas and establish public parks to improve the environment and promote residents’ mental well-being.
Another key objective is to equip young people with new skills through training, fostering sustainable employment and boosting the local economy.
Overcoming obstacles
Despite the initiative’s achievements in a short period, its members face significant challenges, al-Jassem notes. “The biggest issue is a lack of funding,” he says, explaining that their work primarily relies on local donations and individual contributions, limiting their capacity for larger projects.
Bureaucratic hurdles also pose difficulties, with the team struggling to secure formal support from local authorities. Security concerns further complicate their efforts, as instability in some areas hampers project implementation.
Nevertheless, the initiative has achieved notable successes. The team rehabilitated a heavily damaged local school, allowing children to resume their education in a safe and welcoming environment.
They also created a public park in the city center, providing families and children a place to gather and enjoy nature.
Part of the solution
“We have suffered greatly over the years, but we chose not to remain victims,” Ahmad al-Muhammad, a 30-year-old participant from Deir ez-Zor, shares his perspective with North Press. “Through this initiative and others like it, we aim to rebuild our community and realize our dreams.”
For al-Muhammad, the most rewarding moment was seeing children laughing in the school they helped restore. “That joy is the greatest reward for our efforts,” he says.
Fatima al-Hassan, a human rights activist from Deir ez-Zor, describes the youth and women-led initiatives in the city as inspiring models of resilience.
“They are not waiting for external aid; they are working tirelessly to rebuild their community,” she tells North Press.
However, she warns that without proper support, these efforts could falter. “Raising awareness about the importance of these initiatives and securing funding is crucial to ensure their continuity,” she stresses.
The “New Deir ez-Zor” initiative stands as a testament to the determination of the city’s youth and women to restore their community after years of hardship. Their successes highlight the potential for grassroots action to drive positive change, even in the face of adversity. Supporting such initiatives is vital for building a more sustainable and secure future for Deir ez-Zor’s residents.