From Camps to Back Home: Facilitating the return to Sheikh Ahmed and Kafr Amma
In fall 2024, thanks to the support of the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund, we launched a project in Al Sarout Camp to replace makeshift tents with concrete block housing (or dignified shelters) and rehabilitate the local market and school, providing a more stable and sustainable living environment for camp residents.
Sarout Camp
With no end in sight to Syria’s nearly 14-year conflict, this was the best option for the families of Sarout Camp. We met with residents and divided them into two groups. By December, we had completed the dignified shelter for the 52 families in group 1.
To everyone’s shock, December brought the collapse of the regime. For the first time in years, return wasn’t just a dream—it was a possibility. Many of the families from Al Sarout camp made the decision to return to their villages of Sheikh Ahmed and Kafr Amma. However, their villages were severely damaged in 2020 when government forces had attacked the villages and drove them out- and their homes, school, and public infrastructure are in disrepair. This moment marked a profound shift for us - we needed to facilitate a true homecoming.
Rebuilding Kafr Amma and Sheikh Ahmed
Over 300 students in Kafr Amma are currently receiving lessons in a makeshift warehouse.
Thanks to the flexibility of SCHF and the generosity of a private donor, we are able to invest in the home villages of Sarout Camp residents so they can return and stay. The scale of damage is massive, but our team will prioritize restoring homes and essential services. One of the key projects are the rehabilitation of the local schools. In Kafr Amma, where already over 200 families have returned, 300 students are currently learning in a warehouse separated by sheets. We want to get them back into a safe school so they can focus in a productive learning environment. We are adding ramps, accessible toilets, and handrails to improve mobility for students with disabilities.
In Kafr Amma:
100 house repairs
Three community projects focused on rebuilding essential infrastructure and public services.
One School Rehabilitation
Solar Lighting for Streets
In Sheikh Ahmed:
70 house repairs
One School Rehabilitation
Street solar lighting and access restoration to improve mobility and safety.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund for supporting the rehabilitation of dignified shelters in Sarout Camp and several of the planned projects in both villages.
What This Means to Us
For years, we have been making sure displaced families in Syria have shelter, food, and security. But this moment is different. This is about returning home. This is about families no longer having to accept temporary solutions, but instead rebuilding where they belong. It is about reviving schools, homes, and communities that war once tore apart.
We are honored to be part of this journey.
Young returnee to Sheikh Ahmed village.
To support our work to rebuild in Syria, please consider a financial donation. if you are interested in supporting large-scale recovery projects, please contact us at info@sardngo.org.