Breaking Stigma: Reinforcing Empowerment and Accountability Through Community Networks

• In Event: Poverty, Migration and Peace Building

Proposal

The protracted conflict in Syria has resulted in a widespread mental health crisis and an increase in the number of individuals living with disabilities. However, the fear of stigmatization often prevents these individuals and their caregivers from seeking the necessary support, leading to their marginalization within the wider community. To address this pressing issue, the FCDO-funded Syria Education Program (SEP) implemented a comprehensive parent-to-parent support program.

The program established multiple support groups specifically designed to combat the stigma associated with mental health and disabilities. By bringing together caregivers who have children with disabilities, the support groups provided a safe and supportive space for open discussions regarding experiences, challenges, and concerns. These initiatives and conversations, that last over the academic year on monthly basis, played a vital role in dismantling the barriers of isolation and fear that commonly accompany stigma.

Furthermore, the program encompassed caregivers of children with severe emotional distress or difficulties, including fear and anxiety disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism, among others. These non-judgmental gatherings allowed caregivers to share challenges related to raising children with disabilities, foster a sense of community, and learn from one another's experiences in accessing local resources and understanding their child's condition. Additionally, school protection workers utilized these sessions to educate caregivers about their child's specific condition and connect them with specialized services.

SEP's initiative created an environment that encouraged community involvement in the social and emotional growth of children with disabilities. Caregivers were provided a platform to express their own vulnerabilities and discuss their mental health challenges. These conversations went beyond those held with mental health professionals, as they expanded caregivers' understanding of trauma, facilitated dialogue with like-minded individuals who could empathize, and shifted the focus toward collective community actions in supporting mental well-being.

Recognizing the importance of representation and advocacy, SEP went beyond the support groups and established helped the establishment of the Association of caregivers of Children with Disabilities. This pioneering association serves as the first of its kind in Syria, addressing the urgent need for children with disabilities to have a voice at decision-making levels. The association is governed by a board of seven dedicated activists and inclusion champions, elected by the entire group. Regular meetings are held to gather relevant information and data, which is then used to advocate for the needs of children with disabilities to local education authorities and donors supporting the sector. Through their unwavering efforts, the association has succeeded in shifting local attitudes, prioritizing support for schools that include special education centers and ensuring a brighter future for these children and they are now a key player in decision making process with education authorities

Through SEP, the program aimed to address the root causes of stigma, empower caregivers, and promote the meaningful participation of both caregivers and children with disabilities in their communities. By sharing experiences, accessing resources, and fostering community support, the project sought to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by the mental health crisis and disabilities in Syria.

Authors

• Reham Jabbar, Chemonics International

• Abdulkader Alaeddin, Chemonics International