In Syria, years of conflict have weakened healthcare systems, disrupted education, and left millions of families struggling to access basic services. For children with disabilities, the challenges are often even greater.

Nearly a third of people in Syria are now living with a disability — almost twice the global average — while many children continue to face barriers to healthcare, education, and social inclusion. In northern Syria, reports have found that 85% of children with disabilities had dropped out of school, highlighting the scale of exclusion many families continue to face.

For children with Down syndrome, limited access to specialist support, safe learning spaces, and developmental care can leave families feeling isolated and unsupported. In places like Raqqa, where communities are still rebuilding after years of instability, access to dedicated services for children with Down syndrome remains extremely limited. Opportunities to access speech therapy, psychosocial support, recreational activities, and specialist medical care are rare.

That is why Action For Humanity has launched a dedicated programme focused specifically on supporting children with Down syndrome and their families. Implemented through Action For Humanity’s Protection Centre at Raqqa Maternity Hospital, the initiative is considered one of the first projects of its kind in Raqqa Governorate.

The programme creates a safe and inclusive environment where children can access healthcare, psychosocial support, educational activities, and opportunities to build confidence and social connections. For many families, this is the first time they have felt recognised and supported.

Watch the video below to see how we are supporting children with Down syndrome in Syria:

More Than Medical Care

The project supports up to 30 children through structured weekly sessions focused on communication, emotional wellbeing, social inclusion, and confidence building. Children take part in speech and language development sessions alongside art, music, drama, games, and group learning exercises. These activities are designed not only to support learning, but also to encourage independence, emotional expression, teamwork, and positive social interaction.

Alongside psychosocial support, families also gain access to specialist medical consultations, including cardiac, auditory, ophthalmic, and dental examinations — services that can otherwise be difficult or impossible to access in many communities. Educational materials, drawing supplies, and learning resources are also provided so children can continue activities and development at home.

But the project is not only supporting children. Caregivers attend regular awareness and parenting sessions focused on child development, stress management, and positive communication techniques. These sessions create space for families to share experiences, ask questions, and feel part of a wider support network.

Creating Space for Inclusion

Children with Down syndrome are often excluded not only from specialist care, but from opportunities to learn, play, and build friendships. In crisis-affected communities where services are already stretched, families can become increasingly isolated. Support systems that might otherwise help children develop confidence and communication skills are often unavailable or inaccessible.

Projects like this help create something many families have gone without for years: inclusion.
Not simply access to services, but the feeling that their children are valued, capable, and deserving of support. Inclusion should not depend on children overcoming barriers alone. Communities, services, and support systems all have a role to play in creating environments where children with disabilities feel safe, supported, and able to participate.

One mother, whose 14-year-old son Abdullah attends the programme, described the difference it has made for her family.

“This is the first project here that cares for people with Down syndrome like Abdullah.”

She explained how the activities have helped stimulate her son’s learning through games, drawing, and educational exercises, while also helping build his confidence and happiness.
The family also benefited from specialist medical consultations that had previously been difficult to access.

“Abdullah and the other children felt that there were people beyond their families who cared about them.”

That sense of care and belonging matters. For children growing up in conflict-affected communities, access to safe spaces, supportive relationships, and opportunities to learn and play can have a lasting impact on emotional wellbeing and development.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of the Syria programme, we are now working to expand this support into Pakistan, Palestine, and Yemen, helping more children with Down syndrome and their families access the care, inclusion, and opportunities they deserve.

Because every child deserves the chance to grow, connect, and thrive within a community that supports them.

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