Nophotozone primarily consists of former detainees and families of the missing, who naturally shared their burdens, particularly those related to reintegration into work, psychological and health challenges, and financial difficulties stemming from detention or the loss of a breadwinner. 

In late 2023, Nophotozone developed a comprehensive rehabilitation program based on a volunteer team member’s experience. The program supported 79 beneficiaries, including 51 women and 28 men, by providing health, educational, and housing services aimed at reintegrating them into paid work or developing their skills for economic independence. 

Support was distributed through trusted networks, often without beneficiaries knowing the source, to protect them and the team from persecution under the previous regime. 

• Empowerment Through Education and Employment 

In collaboration with the Afaq team in Jaramana, rural Damascus, we identified an urgent need for high school diploma courses. Due to a shortage of qualified teachers and financial constraints, we launched intensive three-month courses for 40 beneficiaries, including males and females from families of the missing. Using the team’s center, we significantly reduced operational costs while ensuring high-quality education through reputable teachers. 

We also partnered with Sama for Handmade Products to support women from detainees’ families, improving working conditions for women in knitting projects in Douma by facilitating the installation of windows, doors, and solar energy systems in Kafr Batna. In Daraya, we addressed structural issues like roof leaks and built workshop rooms to create job opportunities for local women. 

• Addressing Mental and Physical Health Needs 

Former detainees and their families often face physical and psychological health issues that hinder their return to work. We provided hearing aids and glasses, which were otherwise unaffordable, and funded therapy sessions for families of the missing, including former detainees and women and children who experienced abusive relationships or the trauma of losing a family member. 

These interventions improved the academic performance of targeted children, with one achieving the top rank in Syria’s secondary school exams. Another beneficiary gained greater awareness of motivation and management issues following her detention.