An Initiative Reaching 80 Families in Damascus and Rural Damascus

*You can find some photos at the end of the text.*

Amid the pressures of daily life responsibilities, women often forget to give themselves a moment of care for their psychological well-being. As women are the cornerstone of the family and a key element in building a healthy and balanced society, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria Office, organized health awareness and psychosocial support sessions for women.

Twenty women from Damascus and its countryside participated in these sessions.

The six-day training witnessed strong engagement from the participants, who were eager to gain medical knowledge about various diseases and healthy nutrition practices.

These sessions aimed to empower women to better understand their physical and psychological needs and equip them with the necessary tools to improve their quality of life, positively impacting their families and communities.

The psychosocial support sessions also provided valuable insights that helped participants adjust their behavior within their families and increased their awareness of the importance of self-care, thereby enhancing their ability to care for their loved ones.

During the training, participants received brochures covering the various topics discussed, and at the end of the training, they were provided with blood pressure monitors.

Each participant then shared what she had learned with four families in Damascus and Rural Damascus, reaching a total of 80 families, some of whose members suffer from various illnesses.

They provided each family with brief explanations about the most common diseases in the community and chronic conditions, along with informative brochures on various health topics.

Nour, one of the participants, said; “Although I suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, I never took these conditions seriously and did not follow a proper diet or take my medication regularly. I used to think that diabetes was just high blood sugar and wouldn’t harm me.”

She added; “I realized the mistake I was making after learning during the sessions about the dangers of diabetes and high blood pressure if not properly managed with medication and diet. I started cooking healthy meals and taking my medication regularly. I also benefited from the blood pressure monitor provided by MECC. I now check my blood pressure regularly, as well as my husband’s, which encouraged him to follow a diet to control his condition. I shared this knowledge with my sisters and female colleagues at work as well.”

Basma, another participant, said; “Thanks to the PSS trainer, I learned how to deal with the pressures and problems I face, how to interact with my family in a healthy way, and most importantly, how to take care of myself. This is the only way to recharge my emotional energy and deal calmly and appropriately with others.”

She added; “I now practice breathing exercises every morning and set aside time for myself to enjoy a cup of coffee without thinking about anything that bothers me. I also taught my family breathing techniques to help reduce stress.”

Speaking about the families she visited after the training, Faten said; “When I visited poor families, my perspective on life completely changed. I transferred the gained knowledge, but I discovered that every time I planted a seed of hope in their hearts, a new tree of hope grew within me. They were my mirror, reflecting the true meaning of patience and teaching me that giving to others heals the soul just as deeply as my words do to them.”

This training was not merely a space for receiving information; it marked a real turning point in the lives of many women. It restored their confidence in themselves and their roles in society. Each woman embarked on a new journey of awareness, moving from solely caring for her family to achieving a healthy balance between self-care and family care. With every woman who gained new knowledge, the circle of impact continued to expand.