Community Oriented Networks for Nurturing Economic Cooperation and Trust (CONNECT)

After more than fourteen years of conflict, Syria remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. Vulnerable households face deteriorating economic conditions, limited access to essential services, and declining purchasing power due to currency depreciation and instability. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake of February 6, 2023 further exacerbated these challenges, causing loss of life, infrastructure damage, displacement, and economic disruption, particularly in Aleppo and other affected areas.

In Latakia and Aleppo, many households remain dependent on fragile agricultural and informal livelihood systems that rely on seasonal cycles and market linkages. While previous interventions supported recovery and strengthened local capacities, households continue to operate in volatile market conditions affecting business stability and income predictability. At the same time, economic hardship, displacement, and social fragmentation continue to place pressure on community cohesion and psychosocial well-being.

The CONNECT project addresses these challenges through an integrated approach combining livelihood coaching, market engagement support, psychosocial assistance, and community-based social initiatives. By strengthening economic resilience and social cohesion, the project aims to support vulnerable households in building stable livelihoods and fostering cooperation within their communities.

The CONNECT project aims to strengthen the resilience, income stability, and social cohesion of vulnerable households in fragile and conflict-affected communities in Latakia and Aleppo.

Through structured livelihood coaching, beneficiaries will strengthen business stability and improve engagement with local markets. Market linkage activities will support participants in identifying potential buyers, suppliers, and other relevant market actors, contributing to more sustainable economic opportunities.

At the same time, the project will support psychosocial well-being through targeted PSS sessions and strengthen community cohesion through participatory dialogue and locally driven social initiatives. By combining economic recovery with social engagement, the project promotes both household resilience and constructive community relationships.

The CONNECT project strengthens economic and social resilience among vulnerable households and community members in Latakia and Aleppo through complementary livelihood, psychosocial, and community engagement activities.

Through individual and group coaching, livelihood participants receive technical support to stabilize their businesses, address operational challenges, and strengthen engagement with local markets. Market linkage activities help beneficiaries identify opportunities to connect with buyers, suppliers, and other relevant market actors.

At the same time, psychosocial support sessions provide safe spaces for dialogue, helping participants strengthen coping capacities and improve psychosocial well-being. Community representatives also facilitate participatory discussions and social initiatives that promote cooperation, collective problem-solving, and constructive engagement between community members and local actors. Together, these activities contribute to improved business stability, strengthened psychosocial well-being, and increased trust and cooperation within communities.