Name, Role, Duration of volunteer
Nadideh Az Al-Deen, Chairperson of the Al-Azm Association, volunteering since 2005.

 

When did your volunteer group start, and how many members do you currently have?
We began this initiative at the end of 2022. Currently, we have 35 volunteers, both administrative and service-oriented, along with the founding members.

 

What motivated you to establish this group?
The founders felt that the elderly blind women we serve represent a vulnerable and forgotten segment of society. No organization had previously considered supporting this group.

 

Brief overview of the founders:
The founders are a group of 11 women, three of whom have disabilities, and two men. All are highly motivated and convinced of the importance of improving this group’s psychological, social, and material conditions.
(Video introduction of the founders can be found at this link: Founders Video)

 

What activities and services do you provide?
We offer activities suited for those with vision impairment, such as audio-based events including music, reading, entertainment, gift-giving, and tailored meals. We also organize outings to parks and accept invitations from other organizations, such as Ramadan Iftar events and walking exercises.

Our services include providing residency for elderly women without shelter or support. We assist those with financial, social, or health challenges, offering monthly or emergency aid, such as sponsoring heart surgeries.

 

Which governorates do you operate in?
Damascus and Rural Damascus.

 

What is your motto or philosophy in volunteering? What areas do you primarily focus on?
Our motto is derived from the Prophet Muhammad’s saying (peace be upon him): “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
We also adhere to the philosophy of uplifting spirits and that “reward is of the same kind as the action.”
We focus on everything that serves this vulnerable group, prioritizing health challenges, extreme poverty, isolation, and unique cases involving multiple health issues.

 

How can individuals join your group and participate in your activities?
Volunteers can join by contributing any service that benefits the association, offering unique expertise, or promoting us in the media. They may also create programs or technical solutions suited to the group’s needs.

 

Is there a link to a membership application (if available)?
We send a volunteer application form after an introductory period. Initially, volunteers are invited to visit the association in Rif Dimashq- Harasta close to the municipality  and learn about the work firsthand.

 

Do you provide training or guidance for new volunteers?
Volunteer training involves attending and participating in the association’s activities and events. The role of volunteers is primarily to accompany and assist visually impaired women.

 

What skills or requirements do you look for in volunteers?

• Passion for volunteering and commitment.
• Strong cultural background.
• Quick thinking.
• Persuasive skills to attract supporters.
• Ability to work with elderly blind women.
• Ability to handle work pressure.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work within a team.

Do you collaborate with other organizations? If yes, what is the nature of these partnerships?
We have reached out to organizations in this field to gain experience, such as Al-Mabra Women's Association.

 

Do you receive support from government entities or NGOs (local or international)? If yes, what kind of support?
We have received material support (food baskets) from local entities such as Dar Al-Saada, as well as Iftar invitations.
Internationally, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent provided two solar panels for lighting at the residency, and Oxfam collaborated by offering health kits and financial aid for the residents.

 

What are the main challenges you face as a volunteer team?
The location's remoteness in the countryside limits the availability of qualified individuals. Additionally, limited resources prevent us from securing transportation or a location in Damascus city.

 

How can the public support you? Are there specific ways to donate or contribute?
Donations can be made according to each person's capacity through

• Monthly sponsorships
• Medical assistance
• Providing clothing

Donations are accepted through the following channels

• Physical visit to donate
• Bank transfers
  • Syrian International Islamic Bank 204646
  • Al Barakeh Bank 7003425
• Via MTN Cash service 00963956677930

The public can also help by introducing us to influential figures and decision-makers.
Support can also come through social media, calls for moral support, and guidance from experts in administrative, technical, and service fields.

 

What are your future plans and vision for expanding or developing your activities?
Our vision focuses on achieving self-sufficiency through small projects that give blind women the opportunity to create handmade crafts under the supervision of volunteers. This positively impacts their mental health and provides them with a source of income.