“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d see the regime fall. The thing that used to terrify and haunt us is finally gone.” Alaa Yahya is the head of the NGO Violet’s operations in Damascus. They are one of several aid organisations that was based in formerly rebel-held areas of Syria. Now, they’re expanding into Damascus. Despite exhaustion, they've seen a huge surge in interest, receiving tens of thousands of applications within days. In heavily shelled Harasta City, Alaa and his team strive to restore normalcy by clearing rubble to reopen roads. They have expanded their efforts to Damascus, where they clean and distribute essential hygiene items. Reflecting their dedication, Alaa states, ”it is our duty to help as much as we can within our short lives". It is not easy work, but it is important, and Violet’s volunteers look to a brighter future: "after 10 or 20 years, we'll have a truly democratic Syria, with economic, political, social, ethical and cultural significance".