Tartus Honors Red Crescent Volunteers and Launches ‘Athar’ Platform
The Governorate of Tartus hosted a ceremony this Monday at the Arab Cultural Center to honor the volunteers and staff of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) in recognition of their extensive humanitarian and service efforts. The event highlighted the dedication of hundreds of personnel who have provided essential services across various sectors over the past 16 months.
Dr. Ahmed Ghandoura, head of the SARC branch in Tartus, stated that the recognition ceremony acknowledged the contributions of 21 distinct teams operating under the branch. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 500 active volunteers, the organization has successfully executed thousands of humanitarian operations, significantly contributing to the relief and stability of the local community. Dr. Ghandoura emphasized that such recognition serves as a vital moral incentive for volunteers, enabling them to continue their humanitarian mission and address the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the region.
In addition to the recognition ceremony, the event marked the launch of the “Athar” platform, a new initiative designed to foster economic independence among beneficiaries of the Red Crescent’s vocational training programs. According to Haya Othman, representing the Community Services and Protection Center, the platform is specifically aimed at assisting women and youth who have completed professional courses.
“Athar” serves as a digital and practical bridge, allowing graduates to showcase, market, and sell products created through their acquired skills. The vocational training programs currently offered by the center cover a diverse range of disciplines, including professional baking, crochet, decoupage, and advanced computing skills such as ICDL and Microsoft Excel. Each training cycle typically serves groups of 10 to 15 participants, with course selection based on a rigorous assessment of local market needs and community requirements.
Since March 2025, approximately 417 individuals have benefited from the services provided by the Community Services and Protection Center. The launch of the “Athar” platform is intended to ensure that these individuals can successfully transition from training to economic self-sufficiency by providing them with access to vital commercial spaces in Tartus.
The event also featured perspectives from various specialized teams, including the Water and Rehabilitation department, which focuses on maintaining essential public infrastructure. Ruba Khounda, a volunteer and coordinator for the Water and Rehabilitation team, noted that such support is crucial for ensuring the continuity of basic services for the local population.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Deputy Governor of Tartus, Sami al-Zakh, the head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr. Hazem Baqla, and representatives from various official and international humanitarian organizations. The event underscored the ongoing collaboration between local administrative authorities and humanitarian agencies to bolster community resilience and support sustainable development initiatives in the province.
