Organizational Profile – Manzoul e.V.
General Overview
Manzoul e.V. is a German non-profit organization based in Berlin, established in 2019 by a group of Syrians and Germans with Syrian backgrounds in response to the humanitarian, social, and psychological challenges resulting from the Syrian conflict, including displacement, social fragmentation, and the deterioration of education, health, and community stability.
The organization works in the fields of peacebuilding, social cohesion, education, health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), youth and women empowerment, and community engagement. Manzoul aims to contribute to building resilient, inclusive, and peaceful communities capable of recovery and sustainable development. The organization operates both inside Syria and among Syrian communities in Germany and Europe through community-based and development-oriented interventions tailored to local contexts and needs.
Vision
A just and safe future for Syrians in Syria and the diaspora, grounded in human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and cohesive communities capable of active participation and sustainable recovery.
Mission
To empower Syrians and Syrian-Germans through capacity development in education, health, psychosocial support, peace education, and sustainable community participation, contributing to reducing the effects of conflict and social divisions while fostering an environment that promotes peace and social cohesion.
Areas of Work
Manzoul implements integrated and multi-sectoral programs in the following areas:
- Peacebuilding and social cohesion
- Peace education and community peacebuilding
- Psychosocial support and mental health (MHPSS)
- Education and capacity development
- Youth and women empowerment
- Health and health awareness
- Support for conflict-affected and displaced communities
- Integration and empowerment of refugees and migrants
- Cultural initiatives and community dialogue
- Humanitarian response and early recovery
Approach and Methodology
Manzoul adopts a human rights-based and conflict-sensitive approach grounded in community participation and local ownership. The organization follows the “Do No Harm” principle and places strong emphasis on trust-building, dialogue, and cooperation among different social groups.
The organization also recognizes the strong link between psychosocial wellbeing and sustainable peacebuilding, believing that addressing the long-term psychological and social consequences of conflict is essential for strengthening social stability, reducing violence, and rebuilding relationships within communities.
Manzoul uses participatory and interactive methodologies and effectively utilizes digital tools to reach communities inside Syria and abroad, ensuring sustainable access to services, information, and psychosocial support.
Target Groups
Children and Adolescents
Manzoul supports children and adolescents through peace education, psychosocial support, educational and recreational activities aimed at enhancing their sense of safety, strengthening life skills, and reducing the impact of trauma caused by war and violence. The programs promote dialogue, cooperation, and non-violence within schools and communities.
Youth
The organization views youth as key actors in peacebuilding and social cohesion processes. Therefore, Manzoul empowers young people through training, capacity building, volunteerism, and community initiatives, enabling them to become community leaders and ambassadors of peace and social cohesion.
Women and Girls
Manzoul supports women and girls through culturally sensitive programs focusing on health awareness, psychosocial wellbeing, empowerment, and the creation of safe spaces that encourage participation, self-confidence, and access to information and essential services, particularly within conflict-affected and displaced communities.
Families and Local Communities
The organization works to strengthen social cohesion in communities affected by war and social fragmentation through community dialogue sessions, joint initiatives, awareness activities, and psychosocial support for families and local communities.
Refugees, Migrants, and Syrian Diaspora Communities
Manzoul works with refugees and migrants, particularly in Germany, to support social integration, improve access to health and educational services, and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate psychosocial and awareness services in Arabic.
Professionals in Education, Health, and Psychosocial Support
The organization also works with teachers, psychosocial workers, counsellors, and healthcare professionals through capacity-building activities focused on conflict-sensitive approaches, psychosocial support, and peace education methodologies to strengthen sustainable impact within local institutions and communities.
Experience in Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion
Manzoul has extensive practical experience in implementing peacebuilding and social cohesion programs, particularly in conflict-affected areas in Syria. Its interventions focus on promoting dialogue, reducing violence, rebuilding trust, strengthening community relationships, and integrating psychosocial support into peacebuilding efforts.
Key projects include:
- Bridges of Peace – TAKAMUL: A project focused on peacebuilding, youth empowerment, social cohesion, and psychosocial support in Homs and surrounding areas.
- Seeds of Peace / Salam 2: A project integrating peace education with psychosocial support for children and families to strengthen community participation and promote a culture of peace and coexistence.
- Salam Project (QICS): Implemented in two schools in Northern Syria, combining peace education, psychosocial support, teacher training, student activities, and awareness sessions for families to foster peace values and community resilience.
- Manzoul Forum: A dialogue initiative launched to reconnect Syrians from diverse cultural and ideological backgrounds within the diaspora and promote understanding, communication, and trust-building among Syrian communities worldwide.
Partnerships and Institutional Relations
Manzoul maintains strong partnerships and collaborative relationships with academic, educational, executive, and professional institutions in Germany and Syria, enhancing its ability to implement context-sensitive and multi-sectoral interventions.
The organization collaborates with:
- Schools and educational institutions in peace education and school rehabilitation initiatives
- Syrian and German civil society organizations and networks
- Health, academic, and professional institutions involving experts in mental health, education, and peacebuilding
- International organizations and donors supporting development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion initiatives
Key partners and networks include:
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
- House of Resources Berlin
- Verband Deutsch-Syrischer Hilfsvereine (VDSH)
- Deutsch-Arabischer Verein für Gesundheitsaufklärung (DAVgA e.V.)
- Al Taawon Organization
Organizational Structure and Team
Manzoul consists of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists, educators, project managers, and social development specialists, in addition to a network of advisors and volunteers with expertise in health, education, psychosocial support, and peacebuilding.
The organization operates within a strong institutional framework based on good governance, transparency, and accountability. It has demonstrated experience in managing internationally funded projects and complying with donor regulations and financial standards, including successful compliance processes with projects funded by GIZ.