Within the framework of the precautionary measures to limit the spread COVID-19, and as part of the preventive measures taken by the Syrian Society for Social Development, the team carried out a sterilization and disinfection campaign for the Khaled Bin Al-Walid Institute for juvenile delinquents in Rural Damascus on a daily basis.

The latter was carried out in cooperation with the administration of the Khaled Bin Al-Walid Institute within the Child Protection programme.

The aim of the campaign was to protect the health and safety of adolescents in the institute, while emphasizing the need to adhere to safety guidelines in order to protect themselves and others from danger.

In the context of precautionary measures to prevent the emergence of COVID-19, the team of the Syrian Society for Social Development in Harasta distributed educational messages and hygiene kits to children from the local community. The hygiene kit included soap, medical gloves, hand sanitizers and hand-made disinfectants by the volunteers.

Furthermore, we stressed on the importance of social distancing, periodic hand-washing, and disseminating this information to the rest of their peers. Also, the team of volunteers sterilized and cleaned the center.

One of the children said: “We will all face COVID-19 together! We should all stay at home in order to protect ourselves and the ones we love.”

The Syrian Society for Social Development persistently follows up on COVID-19 circulations issued by the Syrian Ministry of Health and plays an active role in raising the awareness level among the most vulnerable groups of the community. Drawing on that, Hama team conducted awareness raising sessions in Al Ghab Plain, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and in coordination with the medical point attached to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

The sessions took place in Merdash School and Shathah Community Center “Beit Ward”, targeting children, adolescents, and women. The sessions covered preventive measures to protect yourself and others against the virus, how to play a role in limiting the spread of the disease, as well as explaining the differences between Influenza and Corona.

Concluding the sessions, the team distributed face masks and sterilizers to the beneficiaries.

Within the framework of raising awareness about COVID-19 and to be part of the worldwide campaign of “Stay at Home”, the team of the Syrian Society for Social Development distributed greeting cards and attached informative letters to women on Mother’s Day in Lamaet Dahab Center, Al Zahira, Damascus.

The beneficiaries of the protection, community services, and Hear-My-Heart programs received the cards and letters.

The awareness raising letters contained information and advice about the importance of personal hygiene, regular washing of hands and usage of sterilizers, as well as quitting consuming ready-made food from the market.

One of the women who received a letter commented, “All of us should stay at home to protect ourselves, our kids, and older persons.”

The team encouraged caregivers to share knowledge among their social circles, asked them to stay at home, and cautioned them to avoid gatherings to protect their health against infection.

With the aim of raising awareness about COVID-19 and encouraging adolescents to follow healthy, proper practices and avoid unhealthy practices, the team of the Syrian Society for Social Development conducted awareness raising sessions titled “Protect yourself and others from Infection” as part of the Child Protection Program in Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Institute, Rural Damascus.

The sessions included preventive steps against the virus, such as, maintaining one’s personal hygiene and the correct way of washing hands. In addition to providing some information about ways of infection and prevention.

A group of volunteers, who had attended an awareness session facilitated by doctors and specialists, were responsible for conducting the adolescent sessions. They ensured conveying the right information to the beneficiaries.

The adolescents said that the sessions corrected some wrong conceptions and gave them the chance to discuss and inquire.

The team of the Syrian Society of Social Development prepared and distributed awareness messages to the local community in Al-Zahira, and provided a set of information on the importance of taking care of personal hygiene, washing hands regularly, using sterilizers and avoiding ready-made foods.

Target groups were children and caregivers, whereby they were asked to spread all what they had learned to their peers and entourage. Furthermore, we stressed on the importance of social distancing and avoiding gatherings.

One of the women said: "The SSSD team is always with us in all crises, and always trying to be a source of support and help! Indeed, our message is for us all to stand together against COVID-19!”.