UNHCR: Dayr Hafir big projects

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02:31

The fighting in Syria may not be over yet, but life goes on in some cities, as reconstruction is underway. Even in remote towns and villages, people continue to pick up the pieces with the help of the UN refugee agency. Xu Dezhi tells us what the big plans are for a small town 50 kilometers east of Aleppo.

For the town of Dayr Hafir to attract its people back, it needs to focus on a steady stream of food supply. And this one bakery here offers bread at low prices. This UNHCR-driven initiative can churn out about 9,000 bags of bread daily.

The UNHCR also did up a Small Business Grant project to offer capital to skilled residents to restart their businesses.

FAISAL ABDULLAH FARMER "A project delegation came to our village and we signed up, and they knew that my condition is bad. They only gave donations to those who need it most."

Abdullah was given a machine and seeds worth over two thousand dollars, making him a busy farmer again. He will be able to harvest his sunflowers soon, and for that, he's pleased.

FAISAL ABDULLAH FARMER "People now can work. The wheel of life is turning again. There is a big labour force working now and without the help, we would not be working."

It's the same situation for the Ahmed family. The sheep herding family was given 8 sheep, and with that life for him changed. And with the expansion of his herd, the Ahmeds are trying to branch out into farming.

HATEM AHMAD SHEPHERD "Before the crisis, we used to work in agriculture. When the terrorists came, we fled. And the money we had was all spent. The UN came and gave us the donation, and now our life conditions are much better."

The UNHCR and its partners regularly visit Ahmed and Abdullah, whose families are now self-sufficient thanks to these initiatives. And such thriving self-owned businesses not only mean that a steady stream of food, education and shelter will be had, but also that residents now have the chance to rebuild their own homes.

Xu Dezhi, CGTN, Dayr Hafir.