Children’s Support Project in Kilis – The forgotten children of Syria

The civil war in Syria shows no sign of ending, and children are the ones who suffer the most.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in early 2011, over 3.7 million people have fled to Turkey (as of July 2022). More than half of those displaced are children and young people – and many of them cross the northern border without their families. Countless children have experienced horrific things – things we wouldn’t dare imagine, even in our worst nightmares. On top of that come the hardships of fleeing, poor living conditions, and an uncertain future. These children have neither a home nor access to education – privileges we take for granted.

And every day, more children make their way across the Syrian-Turkish border — ideally accompanied, but often completely alone. Some are orphans, while others simply don’t know whether their parents or relatives are still alive.

These children dream of peace, a life in freedom, and “space” for childhood. 

The focus of the Vienna-based People Share Foundation is currently on Syria’s refugee children—especially those who, thanks to Mahmoud Dahi, have found temporary shelter in Kilis, a city in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border. The charity project, called “The Forgotten Children of Syria – Child Refugee Aid Kilis,” supports a man who, amid the horrors caused by the Syrian civil war refugee crisis, brings hope. And this despite the fact that Dahi receives no assistance from official authorities—on the contrary.

Dahi, who himself fled from Syria to Munich in 1980, established an unofficial, provisional refugee camp and orphanage in 2015 with his German NGO Spendahilfe e.V.—acting on his own initiative and funded solely through private donations. Subsequently, Dahi also set up a tent school, as he sees education as the key to a better future, especially in these tragic times. 

By the end of January 2015, Mahmoud Dahi had provided temporary shelter to up to 700 refugees. However, the situation changed abruptly when the camp was completely demolished due to a new Turkish law. Once again, Dahi acted immediately, relocating families partly to official refugee camps, partly to emergency shelters and rented apartments. However, the conditions on site are far from ideal, with shortages of almost everything. Mahmoud Dahi is supported by his family, friends, and People Share.

The aid project now consists of rented apartments and two orphanages, a kindergarten, a learning center, and a women’s workshop. Above all, it offers people a perspective for the future. 

The People Share team regularly visits in person to witness the urgency of the inhumane situation on the ground and the tireless dedication of Mahmoud Dahi and his volunteer helpers. Under the most difficult conditions, they provide refugees—those who have not been accommodated in official camps—with the essentials. They are doing excellent work that urgently needs support to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. 

How you can help effectively 

Donations through People Share cover the operating costs of the orphanage and kindergarten for around 200 children and young people. A school bus has also been purchased to transport the children daily from their new homes to school and back. 

Help us give these children and families a real chance.

With your support, People Share can offer more people in need hope for a future with dignity. 

Bankdaten: 
BIC: GIBAATWWXXX 
IBAN: AT512011182442654600 
Verwendungszweck: children of Syria 

We sincerely thank our private supporters, partners, and sponsors!