Idlib, Sept. 21 (SANA)A new community development center opened Sunday inMaarat al-Numanin Idlib province, with plans to serve around 600 beneficiaries a month through protection, health and vocational programs aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment and the return of displaced people.

TheBalsam Community Development Centerwas inaugurated under the sponsorship of Idlib Governorate and in the presence of Social Affairs and Labor MinisterHind Kabawat. It is the second center of its kind in the province after a similar facility in Maarrat Misrin city.

The center was established in cooperation with the Social Affairs Directorate and Syria Relief and Development (SRD).

It provides women and girls with psychological support, first aid and protection services, as well as vocational training in sewing, beauty care, resin crafts, languages and life skills. Reproductive health and family planning services are also provided through a specialized midwife.

From relief assistance to economic empowerment

Kabawat told SANA that the center’s opening is part of a national plan aligned with Presidential Decree No. 59 and the goal of reaching “zero camps,” with efforts focused on moving from relief assistance toward economic empowerment and decent work for displaced women.

She said the plan includes opening one development center each month to support and empower displaced women.

Kabawat also highlighted the importance of establishing outlets to sell products made by beneficiaries, helping them generate sustainable income.

Services amid return to Maarat al-Numan

Sami Aswad, director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Aleppo and Idlib, said the large-scale return of residents to Maarat al-Numan has created a need for essential and social services.

He said the center helps prepare women for the labor market while providing health and community awareness sessions, language instruction and other life-skills training.

SRD protection coordinator Sarah al-Sibai said Balsam provides a safe space offering services aimed at preventing gender-based violence, alongside cash assistance and medical referrals.

She said the center is expected to serve around 600 beneficiaries each month and will continue operating through the end of December 2026, with the possibility of extending its work into 2027.

Bilal Makhzoom, public relations official for the Maarat al-Numan district administration, said the center also provides social care services for people with disabilities and others in need in the area, contributing to economic and community recovery.

The center’s opening is part of the national plan to develop local communities and support the return of displaced people by providing safe spaces for women and vocational training that can help them secure decent sources of income and contribute to the recovery of their communities.