25-02-2026 | di COOPI

Syria. Ali reclaims movement and dignity

The brutal hostilities in As-Sweida forced over 52,500 people into desperate displacement in Daraa, leaving them in overcrowded shelters, stripped of dignity. Amidst this profound suffering, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale ETS, thanks to funding of the Syria Humanitarian Fund of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs steps in. The project “Provision of integrated Early Recovery and Protection Assistance to vulnerable populations in Aleppo and Daara Governorates”, providing integrated Early Recovery and Protection Assistance in Hrak and Busra Alsham, offers a lifeline. For Ali, whose frozen shoulder brought immense daily struggle and isolation, this intervention is restoring his mobility and hope.

For Ali, daily life presented significant challenges due to a severe case of frozen shoulder, a condition stemming from upper limb neuropathy. His joint capsules had become contracted, limiting the movement of his arms. This made routine tasks—such as lifting his children, dressing himself, or reaching out—considerably difficult. For over a year, Ali experienced this limitation, impacting his ability to perform basic functions and engage with his family as he once did. These challenges also exposed him to several protection risks, including physical disability and reduced mobility, emotional distress, loss of livelihood, and increased dependency on others. As a result, Ali faced growing social isolation, diminished self-confidence, and heightened stress within the household.

During a visit by COOPI to a shelter in Daraa, Ali sought assistance for his shoulder condition. An examination revealed severe stiffness in his upper limbs, a direct consequence of nerve damage affecting his shoulders due to pressure on the cervical nerves. His restricted arm movement highlighted the daily difficulties he faced. COOPI's team developed a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan aimed at restoring Ali's mobility and independence.

Through consistent effort from the COOPI team and Ali's perseverance, his condition showed significant improvement. Each therapy session contributed to reducing the stiffness, and each exercise helped restore movement. Gradually, Ali began to regain the use of his arms. His progress extended beyond the physical; it also positively impacted his overall well-being. The ability to perform simple actions again brought a sense of relief and satisfaction. He could once more embrace his children, dress himself with ease, and manage his headscarf—a meaningful achievement after more than a year of dependence. In addition to the physical recovery, significant progress was also achieved on the protection level. The improvement in his mobility reduced his dependency on others and strengthened his sense of dignity and self-reliance. His emotional state improved, feelings of isolation and distress decreased, and his active participation in family life and community interactions was restored. These positive changes contributed to enhancing his overall protection and psychosocial well-being.

Now I can carry my children comfortably, and I no longer need to use medication frequently. Most importantly, I can dress myself without help, especially my headscarf, after suffering for more than a year. Thank you to your organization for your wonderful humanitarian work.

Ali’s story demonstrates the positive impact of a targeted intervention in restoring physical function and autonomy and, consequently, psychological well-being.

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COOPI has been present in Syria since 2016 and has implemented over 50 projects, reaching more than 700,000 beneficiaries through a multisectoral approach. It delivers emergency response and supports vulnerable populations—particularly internally displaced persons and returnees—through assistance, psychosocial support, and livelihood activities.