In Syria, the humanitarian context shifted significantly following the change of authorities on December 2024. Yet, the situation has remained critical, with 15.6 million people still requiring humanitarian assistance. Years of conflict have left communities struggling with damaged infrastructure, inadequate and unavailable essential services, making it difficult for families to rebuild their lives.

Behind every project, every rehabilitated school and every restored water network are humanitarian workers who choose, every day, to stand alongside communities that face different challenges. On this World Humanitarian Day, some colleagues in Syria replied to one simple question: What does being a humanitarian worker really mean? 

Different journeys, one shared purpose 

Each humanitarian worker has her or his own stories: among our staff in Syria, some come from the same communities that we support, while others have spent years supporting people in need. Despite their different journeys, they all share the same purpose: standing alongside people when they need it most. 

I have been working in the humanitarian sector for more than ten years and I have joined WeWorld in 2023. What brought me to this line of work was the opportunity to support people affected by long years of conflict. Many people lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of stability, struggling to meet even their most basic needs. As a young Syrian, I felt a responsibility to contribute and support my community in any way I could. Humanitarian work gave me the chance to be close to people, listen to their needs, and be part of solutions that can make a real difference.
Mohammed Abdulhameed MEAL Officer
My motivation comes from what I have personally witnessed during the Syrian crisis and from seeing the challenges that families, especially children, continue to face. Sometimes even a small intervention can have a big impact on someone’s life. Seeing the difference our work can make, encouraged me to become part of the response and support people who need help.
Makki Atrash Project Field Officer

What being a humanitarian really means 

For our colleagues, humanitarian work is more than a profession. It is a daily commitment built on the belief that every person deserves dignity, respect and hope. 

Being a humanitarian means being there for people during the most difficult moments of their lives. Our work is not only about providing assistance, but it is also about restoring hope, dignity, and reminding people that they are not alone and that we are here to stand by their side. This sense of solidarity is one of the most meaningful aspects of our work.
Rafiah Al-Nabsha Project Field Officer
For me, being a humanitarian means putting people first. It means helping those in need, regardless of their age, background, religion, or social status. It is about supporting vulnerable people, protecting their dignity, and making a positive difference in their lives.
Sara Al-Rajab Project Field Officer

Moments that stay with us 

The impact of humanitarian work cannot be measured by numbers alone. Behind every rehabilitated school, every restored water network and every project implemented, there are small moments that stay with humanitarian workers longer. Sometimes it is a child smiling, a family returning home, a classroom filled with laughter, or simply hearing someone say “thank you”. 

  • One moment I will never forget was when we rehabilitated a water station in a rural community that had been without a reliable water supply for more than five years. People had been entirely dependent on water trucking for a long time. When water started flowing again, reaching their homes, we witnessed scenes of genuine joy. Some people were smiling, while others got very emotional. After months of listening to their struggles, and understanding how much water scarcity affected their daily lives, sharing that moment with them was incredibly meaningful.
    Mohammed Abdulhameed MEAL Officer
  • During the implementation of educational activities for children, I remember the excitement of children when we distributed school bags, stationery, and learning materials. Seeing their smiles and their enthusiasm to learn reminded me of how important these opportunities are for children.
    Ouras Abo Al-Aysh Project Field Officer
  • After the Aleppo earthquake, we supported families by distributing mattresses and essential relief items. One moment that stayed with me was helping a family leave a dangerous area and reach a safer place within a few hours. Seeing the fear disappearing from the children’s faces once they are safe is something I will always remember.
    Makki Atrash Project Field Officer
  • One moment that stayed with me was meeting a person with a disability who gained vocational skills through one of our projects. Seeing his confidence growing, getting a new job and realizing that he could build his own future, was very inspiring.
    Assmaa Nanaa Project Coordinator

Looking ahead with hope 

We have been working alongside Syrian communities since 2011, supporting people affected by conflict in rural and underserved areas. In 2025 alone, we reached more than 171,000 people, with 76% of them being women and children. Today, we operate in more than 60 communities across Aleppo, Ar Raqqa, Deir-ez-Zor and Daraa governorates, working to improve access to education, safe water and livelihood opportunities. 

On this World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate not only the dedication of our colleagues, but also the resilience, commitment and determination of the communities we work alongside. Their strength continues to inspire our work every single day. 

  • My hope is to see the communities we work with to recover, become stronger and able to shape their own future with confidence.  I hope the support we provide today helps people become more resilient and creates opportunities that continue beyond the duration of each single project.
    Mohammed Shaban Othman Field Project Officer 
  • I hope people have the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future for themselves and their families. I also hope humanitarian work continues to ensure that everyone has a voice and the opportunity to contribute to positive changes.
    Nour Al-Khedr Al-Mohammed, Protection Officer