As part of the “Aman Mars” project implemented by the Mars Organization in the city of Tel Rifaat, the project team continues its specialized training on conducting questionnaires and field surveys, as a first step toward protecting civilians from the dangers of mines and remnants of war.

The training focuses on developing the team’s skills in data collection and analysis, helping to accurately identify contaminated areas and guide awareness efforts effectively. Upcoming activities also include conducting community awareness sessions targeting groups most at risk, such as children and those working in agriculture and transportation.

The project aims to build sustainable community awareness about the risks of unexploded ordnance and to provide practical information that helps reduce incidents and enhance safety in daily life.

With the participation of around 90 women and men, a promotional event for the “Masarat” Project was held in the Al-Shaar area of eastern Aleppo, aiming to introduce the community to the project’s goals and activities. The Masarat Project is implemented in partnership between Mars and Door organizations, and seeks to build inclusive and sustainable livelihood pathways, with a particular focus on supporting and empowering youth and persons with disabilities. The project does so by developing professional and personal skills, strengthening community planning, and supporting the local economy. The event included a presentation of the project’s activities in affected areas, including Idlib and eastern Aleppo neighborhoods, through vocational and technical training programs, integrating persons with disabilities into the labor market, and supporting small enterprises that contribute to the economic stability of local communities. The event also highlighted efforts to upgrade and rehabilitate the Mars Center for Industrial and Technical Sciences, to provide an inclusive educational environment that enables participants with disabilities to develop their skills and actively engage in training programs. This event is part of a series of activities aimed at strengthening community participation in the design and implementation of development projects that promote balanced economic and social growth, through effective collaboration with local and international partners.

Mars Organization concluded a series of three training workshops within the activities of the SILA Project, targeting more than 80 participants from local actors in Damascus Governorate, Aleppo City, and the Daraya area.

Each workshop, held over six training days with four hours per day, focused on several key areas by enhancing participants’ skills in community mobilization and organization, participatory community needs assessment, community initiative planning and budgeting, principles of good governance, and accountability tools.

This activity aims to empower community initiatives, volunteer teams, and informal civil groups, building their capacities to increase their opportunities for receiving support and contributing effectively to the development of their local communities, while promoting the values of transparency, accountability, and community participation.

Launching individual psychological support sessions for male and female survivors of detention at the “MARS” Center – Aleppo, as part of the Noor Project.
As part of our commitment to supporting survivors of detention and promoting their psychological and social recovery, the MARS Center in Aleppo has started implementing guided psychotherapy sessions supervised by mental health specialists.
Because mental health is not a luxury — it is a fundamental step toward healing and living with dignity.

Mars Organization for Community Development, in cooperation with Horan Youth Team and Damascus University – Daraa Branch (Faculty of Education), organized a cultural forum entitled “The Culture of Nonviolence”, as part of the “Daddaf” project.

The forum featured a research and humanitarian lecture delivered by Dr. Mohammad Al-Ammar, titled “Nonviolence: Necessities of the Present, Lessons from History, and the Philosophy of Religion.” In his lecture, he discussed the importance of dialogue as a human value, and the role of history and religious thought in promoting the concept of nonviolence.

This activity comes as a continuation of the efforts of Mars Organization and its partners to spread a culture of dialogue, entrench the values of tolerance, and reject violence in society.

Science launched a series of interactive activities in the city of Azaz, northern Syria, through the “Jusoor” initiative.
The initiative engaged various community segments — particularly youth, students, and activists — through an awareness campaign distributing brochures in local universities focused on citizenship, social cohesion, and post-conflict civil peace.
It also featured an interactive dialogue session where young participants discussed inclusive identity, the role of youth in positive change, and the importance of non-violent civic engagement.
Additionally, a symbolic mural was painted in a central location to reflect Syria’s diverse social fabric, while media interviews were conducted with local activists to spotlight values of democracy and constructive dialogue.

These activities reflect a growing societal need to create civic spaces that empower young people to contribute to a peaceful, inclusive, and cooperative future.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, a dialogue seminar titled “The Position of Islamic Sharia on Tyranny” was held at the Cultural Center in the city of Daraya, as part of the Mars Institute for Thought and Political Science Forum.

The seminar was presented by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hassoun.

Participants discussed various topics related to Sharia’s discourse in confronting authoritarianism and the importance of transitional justice in the current phase.

The event was organized in coordination with the Civil Administration in Daraya, as part of the activities of the Mars Institute for Thought and Political Science, and witnessed notable attendance and vibrant engagement from the audience.

As part of its efforts to promote dialogue and foster a culture of democracy and social cohesion, the Mars Institute for Thought and Political Sciences organized a panel discussion in the city of Azaz, titled: “Citizenship and Tolerance as the Foundation of Peace.”

The event was attended by representatives from the Christian Association, the Syrian Sect Assembly, as well as several students from the institute, and representatives of the local community and civil society organizations from Aleppo city and northern Aleppo countryside.
The session addressed the importance of peacebuilding and the consolidation of citizenship and democratic values. It witnessed rich engagement from participants, who emphasized the necessity of continuing joint efforts among all components of Syrian society.
This panel was held with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED).

The first sessions of the Women’s Empowerment and Political Advocacy Diploma kicked off today at the MARS Organization office in Damascus, as part of the MARS Institute for Thought and Political Science programs.

This diploma aims to enhance women’s political participation and provide specialized knowledge content that aligns with the challenges of the Syrian reality, contributing to the preparation of cadres capable of playing an active role in public affairs.

This activity is part of a series of academic diplomas offered by the institute, which address topics such as party formation, democratic transition, and civic engagement.

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