Verband Deutsch-Syrischer Hilfsvereine

The Verband Deutsch-Syrischer Hilfsvereine e.V. (VDSH) is the only nationwide representation of Syrian-German civil society organizations in Germany. Founded in 2013, the VDSH currently includes 32 member associations of various sizes, brought together under one roof.

The mission of the VDSH is to strengthen and represent the Syrian civil society and community in Germany. The association stands for the values of empowerment, networking, and neutrality. They see themselves as part of a broad democratic movement that embraces diversity and promotes religious and ideological neutrality. The belief in a better future for Syrians in Syria and the diaspora is a central concern of the VDSH.

• Networking: The VDSH connects various associations, institutions, and engaged individuals of the Syrian civil society to promote a strong and cooperative community.
• Qualification: Through workshops and information events, the VDSH qualifies the Syrian civil society to professionalize their work.
• Consulting: The association offers consulting in the areas of fundraising, project implementation and development, as well as in strategy development and communication.
• Voice of the Syrian Community: The VDSH places the concerns and issues of the Syrian community and communicates them to politics, administration, and science[1][2][5].

The VDSH works to achieve long-term positive changes for the Syrian community. This includes:

• Promotion of Peace, Freedom, and Democracy: The association advocates for the realization of peace, freedom, and democracy for the Syrian population in Syria and in the diaspora.
• Capacity Building: Through capacity building and knowledge transfer, the VDSH strengthens its members to achieve more together.
• Mediation and Dialogue: The VDSH mediates between the Syrian community, the interested public, and politics at national and international levels to shape a better future[1][2].