Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria: Damascus is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Syrian children who have lost one or both of their parents. There are many orphans in the region relying on the support of these institutions. Volunteers will learn about the many reasons for this, the problems affecting many Syrian communities, and how these orphanages support the social and educational development of these children.
There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Damascus city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services, including housing, education, medical care, and psychological support, to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also operate as social enterprises, running businesses such as kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
Volunteer With Syrian Orphanages for 2026-2027
Volunteer in Syria is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Volunteer with Syria Orphanages program. These meaningful volunteer opportunities are perfect for individuals eager to make a positive impact in Syria.
Whether passionate about education, community development, or supporting vulnerable youth, this program offers an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and growth of children in Syrian orphanages. Volunteers will play a key role in providing educational support, organizing activities, and empowering young people facing challenging circumstances. Join us in making a difference while gaining invaluable experience in one of the most unique and rewarding volunteer programs.
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Introduction to the Program: Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria
Volunteering with a Syrian Orphanage is a new program that Volunteer in Syria offers. This program was started to provide more resources and support to the many orphans around Damascus, especially in-person support from our international volunteers.
The social situation in Syria continues to decline, and it is more important than ever to ensure these young people have the support they need to grow up well and become good citizens.
During this program, volunteers will visit the orphanages around Damascus, using their time, skills, and experience to improve the lives of these children.
Your First Week
Your first week in Damascus is about settling in and getting familiar with your new surroundings.
Breakfast is provided every morning at the Center (except on Friday) and typically consists of bread, olive oil, and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ganoush, falafel, cucumber, and tomato–basically everything you would find in a traditional Syrian morning meal. Center staff, volunteers, and interns sit together during breakfast as custom dictates, allowing everyone to chat while strengthening communal bonds.
The Center also facilitates regular excursions into Damascus and neighboring cities throughout the week, allowing you to see the city and learn some of its history. Evenings are usually free, allowing volunteers to explore the city and its many restaurants, shops, and historical sites alone or together.
Volunteers also attend Arabic courses twice weekly for an hour and a half each session. This requires some study and preparation, but it will give them some language to speak with the people in the village or area of their placement.
Daily Activities for Volunteers in a Syrian Orphanage
Every day will be a new adventure in this program! The structure is flexible, allowing you to choose your area of focus based on your interests and the orphanage’s needs. For example, if you have a background or interest in teaching, you could focus more on teaching English to the children. You could support more with mentorship or skills-building if you have a professional or vocational background.
Below are some of the ways you might spend your time at Volunteer in Syria:
Tutoring sessions
Tutoring can help provide extra educational support to the children, encouraging their growth and future potential. Volunteers can teach English classes, help with the kids’ homework, or organize educational games in this area. Speaking with people from overseas is an exciting opportunity for them!
Recreational Activities
Recreation activities are a big part of the children’s lives. They help build their interpersonal skills, teamwork, confidence, and creativity. They also help create a sense of community and cohesiveness within the orphanage. Volunteers can organize and host activities like sports events, arts and crafts sessions, or storytelling.
Providing Emotional Support
Volunteers will build relationships with the children during this program, providing support, care, and friendship. This emotional engagement is essential for children to grow up in healthy relationships and enriches their daily lives.
Bring Your Skills and Expertise!
This program aims to help these children grow up into well-rounded adults in society despite the absence of one or both parents. Any skills or expertise you can bring from your home country are deeply appreciated and will help the education and growth of orphans in Damascus.
Other Ways to Help
Not everyone can travel to Syria for this volunteer program. However, you can still support the orphanages by making a financial contribution, which will help provide quality education and a safe roof over the children’s heads.
Impact of the Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria Program
On the Syrian Children
Volunteering with a Syrian orphanage is a great way to make a meaningful impact and contribute to children’s social and educational development in Syria. Children at the orphanages around Damascus love meeting and spending time with international visitors. Your presence helps their development in many ways: supporting their education, allowing them to practice their English with native speakers, and helping them to feel like the world has heard their stories.
On the international Volunteers
Spending time in a Syrian orphanage is also a rich experience for volunteers. The work is rewarding, especially when you see noticeable progress from the children as they learn and grow. Volunteers witness the children’s incredible resilience and hope, helping to change their lives and perspectives as they hear such inspiring stories.
Who is this Program For?
Volunteering in a Syrian orphanage is perfect for those passionate about the education and well-being of children and improving the lives of people in Syrian communities.
This program is especially beneficial for university students, as Volunteer in Syria can provide academic credit to program participants through our partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Education. Additionally, recent graduates will find this an excellent opportunity to apply their specialties in a real-world context while building their skills.
Duration of the Program
People can volunteer with orphanages in Syria for anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, depending on the length of the visa they receive. This program operates year-round to accommodate program duration and timing needs. Reach out to Info@studyarabic.org to enquire about volunteering today.
Accommodation
When residing in Damascus, participants in the program will have the option to stay with a host family (depending on availability) or in a cozy apartment. Both options offer unique advantages.
Whichever housing option the participant chooses, their time in Syria will be immersive, enriching, and memorable!
Traveling to Damascus
Traveling to Syria’s capital of Damascus is stress-free and straightforward. You’ll fly directly into Damascus, and from the airport it’s only about a one-hour drive — roughly 40 km — to reach our school. If you have any questions about your journey or need help with arrangements, our team is always happy to assist. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page.
Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria: Overview
| Program Location | Damascus, Syria |
| Program Fees | Check our price list here |
| Registration Fees | €30 |
| Age | 18-70 |
| Duration | 1 Week – 3 Months |
| Arabic Teaching Hours | Flexible To Fit The Participant’s Schedule |
| One Teaching Hour | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Participants | 1-5 |
| Program Focus | Volunteering with a Syrian Orphanage: Volunteering With Children Teaching English Children’s Wellbeing and Support |
| Related Subjects | Middle East Studies Arabic Language and Literature Humanitarian Support |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible To Fit The Participant’s Schedule |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| Program Language | English/Arabic |
Benefits Of Volunteering In Syria
Volunteers will receive many benefits during their time in Damascus, including the opportunity to participate in educational, cultural, social, and community development activities:
- Living in Damascus and visiting sites of cultural and historical importance
- Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and using it to communicate with locals
- Helping to aid Syrian refugees.
- Syria is full of historic and culturally rich cities. Damascus and Aleppo feature ancient architecture and bustling souks, Homs, Hama, and Bosra offer old city charm and Roman ruins, Palmyra is famous for its desert ruins, Maaloula preserves Aramaic traditions, Latakia and Tartus provide beaches and historic sites, and Daraa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Qamishli each offer unique cultural experiences.
- Spending time with a Syrian host family, if available
- Visiting Syrian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education
- Eating local Syrian foods and delicacies
- Attending cultural nights, which feature entertainment and activities in Damascus’s social hubs
Reviews, Ratings, and Community Awards
Volunteer in Syria has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Syrian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +950 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
Summary
The Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria Program is perfect for those passionate about education, the well-being of children, and spending time with local people in Syria. As part of this program, volunteers will support the development of some of Damascus’s 7000 orphans, including educational, recreational, and skills-building support.
Additionally, participants will experience Arabic language and cultural immersion while living in Damascus, learning Arabic, and spending time in Syrian communities. This program is a great place to start for those looking to learn more about the Syrian cause and help support local communities.
How To Apply
If you are interested in participating in this program, please email us at Info@ecsyria.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within one business day.
In the subject line of your email, write “Volunteer With Orphanages in Syria.” After we receive your response, we will send you an application form to complete and return to begin onboarding.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
Website: https://ecsyria.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter