News from Syria

Proposed projects and funding requirements

8 1 2015
Proposed projects and funding requirements
Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate - Relief Committee
 
The Patriarchate’s relief work
 
His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III Laham heads the Relief Committee assisted by his General Auxiliary, Bishop Joseph Absi and General Steward Father Maher Mansour. The committee is composed of a warehouse manager, treasurer, accountant and buyers together with a number of young people available on request besides other volunteers.
 
The Patriarchate seeks to meet the need of Syrians currently displaced by the violence prevailing in many parts of Syria. Many have fled to Damascus in search of security and assistance. The number of families receiving assistance is now about four thousand. This number is expected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future.
 
Areas that have been seriously affected are: the City of Homs (in particular the neighbourhoods of Bustan Al-Diwan, Al-Hamidiyeh, Bab Al-Sebaa, Karm El-Mishmosh), the City of Qussayr, the City of Aleppo (the Aziziyeh neighbourhood in particular) and the Damascus Countryside (especially Zabadani, Bludan, Daraya, Ma’alula, Harasta, Arbin, Jobar and Ain Tarma.)
 
Many homes need considerable restoration to become habitable again after being completely or partially wrecked, burned or looted. New construction is required, together with building and decorating materials. Services such as electricity, water and telephone need to be restored or introduced…
 
The assistance provided by the patriarchate consists of food, medical aid and domestic supplies, including mattresses, blankets, kitchen appliances, towels, heaters, lights, candles…
 
Aid is distributed from the headquarters of the patriarchate to registered families in need, regardless of denomination or religion.
 
The Patriarchate and the Relief Committee look to provide programmes that support development.  Currently, funding is sought for the creation of new jobs by starting up small businesses. Provision of financial loans will enable a number of needy families to earn a living in these difficult circumstances.
 
Small projects for implementation
 
1. Beekeeping
2. Photocopying and home publishing centre
3. Candle production
4. Reviving businesses and workshops affected by the war e.g. carpentry, hairdressing, wrought iron working etc.)
5. House maintenance and cleaning (various services)
6. Sweets factory
7. Land cultivation (including water well-drilling)
8. Beauty parlour and hairdresser’s
9. Parish cultural club (library and colouring books for children, music, computer literacy, handicraft, educational programmes)
10. Major project - building a vocational and educational training centre
 
Estimated cost Requirements Project 1
$2,000
$6,000
$1,000
$1,000
_______
$10,000 total
Land rental
Beehives
Filtering machine
Other equipment
Beekeeping
 
 
Project 2 Requirements Estimated cost
Photocopying and home publishing centre Shop rental
Photocopier (all purpose)
Laminator
$2,000
$7,500
$1,000
________________
$10,500 total
Project 3 Requirements Estimated cost
Candle production
 
Shop rental
Moulds and raw materials
Various expenses
$3,000
$3,000
$1,000
______________
$7,000 total
Project 4 Requirements Estimated cost
Reviving handicrafts affected by the war e.g. carpentry, hairdressing, wrought iron working etc.)
 
Restoration of damaged shops
New tools
Work equipment
$4,000
$7,500
$1,000
_____________
$12,500 total
Project 5 Requirements Estimated cost
House maintenance and cleaning (various services) Shop rental
Tools
Various expenses
$3,000
$2,500
$1,000
______________
$6,500 total
Project 6 Requirements Estimated cost
Sweets factory Raw materials
Stove
Various expenses
$1,000
$1,500
$1,000
________
$3,500 total
Project 7 Requirements Estimated cost
Land cultivation (including water well-drilling) Well drill
Irrigation system
Labour
Various expenses
$7,000
$5,000
$5,000
$1,000______________
$18,000 total
Project 8 Requirements Estimated cost
Beauty parlour and hairdresser’s Shop rental
Equipment
Generator
Various expenses
$3,000
$2,000
$5,000
$1,000
_____________
$11,000 total
Project 9 Requirements Estimated cost
Cultural club Restoration of existing hall
Generator
Lighting
Sound equipment
Projector
Books and toys
Computers
Locker and desk
Various expenses
Employee
$5,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,500
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
________________
$14,500 total
Major project 10 Requirements Estimated cost
Building a vocational and educational training centre
 
Land available
Three storey building
Equipment
  N/A
$1,000,000
$500,000
_____________
$1,500,000 total