BACK TO HOME
Finding their way back home after years of displacement – self-determined, qualified, and full of new hope – is the ambitious project we are implementing with Syrian refugees at IMAGE Village. Adults and children alike gain valuable know-how for a future in their own country.
What we do
The Syrian civil war has not only destroyed homes and infrastructure, but has also profoundly altered the lives of many people. For many Syrian refugees who have temporarily settled in Turkey, returning home remains a vital, yet often unattainable and painful, desire. At the same time, stress and insecurity are increasing in the host countries. Social and economic conditions are deteriorating, and political debates about deportations are growing louder. Many of those affected, especially women with children, face a seemingly hopeless situation: there appears to be no prospect of return, and remaining in the country is untenable.
Our "Back to Home" project creates concrete and sustainable opportunities for women to rebuild their lives with independence and dignity upon their return. The focus is on vocational training, psychosocial support, and child support. Participants receive a comprehensive training program that provides them with practical, technical, and agricultural skills, including solar energy, electronics, house construction, basic electrical engineering, and knowledge of sustainable agriculture. At the same time, their children also participate in developmental and educational programs, allowing them to gain new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
The training content is practical and tailored to the specific challenges of a devastated country. It empowers women not only to manage their daily lives but also to actively participate in rebuilding their homes – whether repairing electrical systems, constructing simple housing, or cultivating food sustainably. Upon completion of the training, participants receive a certificate and support in finding employment or starting their own business in Syria. The project not only increases individual resilience but also promotes long-term stability in the area of return.
The project is based on many years of experience. The Imece Initiative has been working with refugees and marginalized groups for more than a decade, focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term aid. The "home" approach implements a model that combines education, social support, and sustainable development.