Could you briefly introduce your organization and its mission?
Shafak Organization is a non-profit and non-governmental organization founded in 2013, and operating in Syria and Türkiye to provide integrated humanitarian and developmental responses that meet the needs of conflict-affected communities. It seeks to build resilient communities by providing services in the fields of health, education, food security and livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), protection, and accountability to affected populations.
Mission: Under its slogan “For Humanity We Work”, the organization’s aim to contribute to the empowerment of marginalized individuals and communities by providing humanitarian and developmental responses based on rights principles and transparency, while strengthening effective and sustainable partnerships.
How does your work connect with social justice, human rights, peacebuilding, MHPSS, or community resilience, and what role do you see faith actors playing in these areas?
Shafak Organization is committed to applying the principles of social justice and human rights through protection and accountability programs, ensuring services reach all groups without discrimination. Those programs evolve around the following areas:
- Social Cohesion: The organization’s programs integrate elements of peacebuilding and promote social cohesion, particularly within host and displaced communities.
- Mental Health: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is a core component of interventions, delivered through protection centers or local volunteers.
- Role of Religious Actors: Religious figures are considered key personalities in local communities who enjoy broad trust and influence, making them effective partners in promoting justice, peace, and psychosocial support.
- Integration Strategy: Shafak Organization emphasizes the importance of effectively integrating these actors into community inclusion and accountability activities, such as conflict mediation, awareness messaging, and facilitating access to marginalized groups in a culturally respectful manner.
Why did you decide to join JLI, and what value do you find in being part of this community?
- Motivation: Shafak Organization joined the JLI due to a belief in the importance of mutual learning and building knowledge networks that bring local and international actors together.
- Added Value: The JLI has provided great value by offering insight into impactful models and experiences, as well as providing opportunities to share Shafak’’ own local methodologies and lessons learned.
How can the JLI community best support you and your work moving forward?
The JLI through its programs can provide better support through:
- Building capacity for evidence-based research regarding the role of religious and community actors.
- Highlighting successful practices on international platforms.
- Facilitating joint funding opportunities or technical support for peace and MHPSS initiatives.
- Organizing regional meetings for local actors and faith-based organizations to exchange expertise
What advice would you give potential JLI members?
Our advice focuses on listening to local partners and communities, and remaining open to flexible knowledge exchange. True partnership requires humility and recognizing the strength of local community practices.
Is there a “hidden gem” from your organization that you believe more partners should adopt?
Shafak Organization takes pride in its “Ajyal” (Generations) participatory platform, which empowers children and youth to participate in community decision-making, monitor needs, and amplify their voices to decision-makers in a safe environment.
In addition to the above, Shafak Organization’s community-based accountability mechanisms, such as community verification committees and response centers have proven effective in building trust and enhancing fair humanitarian responses.