Mardiros a young barber with seven years of experience, he lives with his mother and bears the sole responsibility of being the family's breadwinner. As a talent in his craft, Mardiros was longing for the security and independence that came with owning his own barbershop. However, the lack of supportive environment and economic challenges of the country left him hesitant to take the leap. He meticulously calculated every aspect, and despite numerous attempts, he remained doubtful as it posed a significant risk.

Having endured the frustration of earning minimum salaries while working for others, Mardiros knew he needed his own equipment to establish his resilience. Mardiros had an idea to minimize the cost of rent, Mardiros's current barbershop decided to offer him the opportunity to rent a chair in their salon for his own customers. This arrangement enabled him to reduce rental expenses while still generating a steady source of income.

With the approval from the Hope Center, Mardiros received an incredible boost in confidence and support. Finally, he could embark on his journey towards independence. The burst of hope and opportunity provided by the Hope Center gave Mardiros the courage to chase his dreams, ensuring a brighter future for himself and his family. 

Nancy Samaan, an ambitious young girl from Tartous, graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts and later relocated with her family to Aleppo. Nancy always had a clear vision of her passion for graphic design and poured her heart and soul into her work.

At a young age, in 2018, Nancy started her career as a graphic designer. However, she soon realized that her previous job didn't provide the opportunities she needed to improve her skills and profession. Determined to grow, she embarked on a new job that allowed her to explore photography, expanding her abilities and opening up diverse avenues in graphic design. She delved into areas like social media content creation and product advertisement.

After gaining five years of experience in the field, Nancy desired to work independently, driven by her longing for financial independence. She planned to achieve her goals step by step and began by building an impressive portfolio of her work, which earned her positive feedback from customers who admired her talent and expressed a desire to collaborate. Nancy leveraged social media platforms to showcase her work and gain recognition in the job market. With unwavering confidence and fearlessness, Nancy's ultimate dream career was to become an interior designer.

However, the unavailability of a laptop became the only obstacle hindering her success; One day, while working from home, Nancy's laptop suddenly stopped functioning due to a surge in electricity, resulting in the loss of all her files and documents.

Standing as Nancy's number one supporter, her mother is immensely proud of her daughter's determination and unwavering belief in her abilities. With the support she received from the CHC team, Nancy regained her confidence with her new laptop and took the first step towards realizing her dream and unleashing her boundless creativity to pursue a fulfilling career.

Elias Zerz, is a skilled electric technician. He learned the tricks of the trade from his father, who unfortunately passed away in 2014. Elias gained over 17 years of valuable experience working alongside his father. Now he works in the shop which his father had established back in 1983, specialized in various electrical services. After the loss of his father, Elias faced many challenges, but with unwavering determination and sheer hard work, he managed to open new doors of opportunity.

Seeking to enhance his skills and elevate his work, Elias realized that he needed to upgrade his tools and equipment, a venture that proved to be quite costly. His proficiency lies in home electricity wiring. He currently shares a home with his mother and brother, who is also studying to become an electrician. 

One obstacle that continues to hinder his progress is the outdated equipment he currently has. As the sole provider for his family, Elias primarily relies on his own efforts, occasionally receiving assistance from his brother. Elias is always eager to utilize the latest technology and tools in his work, such as an electricity generator. This would greatly benefit him, especially when he travels to rural parts of Aleppo where access to electricity is non-existent. With a reliable generator by his side, Elias would be able to work at a faster pace and fulfill the electrical needs of those remote areas.

After receiving approval from the Hope Center, the aid has alleviated numerous challenges and provided a much-needed boost to Elias's determination. This support enables him to continue striving for excellence in his craft and fulfill the responsibilities he shoulders for his family and the communities he serves.

George Shahda is a hardworking craftsman and a father to two adorable children. His work revolves around a unique concept in the domain of event planning and decorations. George used to have a shop in Homs where he began his initial work, but he had to sell his father's workshop to move to Aleppo for university. During the war, he relocated to Lebanon, where he continued working in event planning and decoration.

George strongly believes that with creativity and hard work, anything is possible. Despite the impact of the war on Aleppo's economy, George refuses to be limited. His specialization lies in crafting decorations, such as display stands, backdrops, and table decorations. He works with a variety of materials, including wood, paper, mirrors, foam, and resin, with wood being his primary choice.

For three years in Syria, George initially relied on carpenters for required work, but he eventually realized that he preferred to handle everything on his own. Thanks to the Hope Center, George was able to save time and become more self-dependent, which will help him improve his income and secure a better life for his lovely family.

Antoine, an optician specialized in eyewear lens making, has garnered extensive experience over the years. He is an incredibly optimistic man, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. His work holds immense significance for him, as he takes great pride in delivering his work with utmost precision, striving to ensure that it is free from any errors. Since 2000, he has been operating his shop, situated in a mid-density area. While the location might not attract a high volume of foot traffic, Antoine's reputation has managed to draw in customers. Prior to opening his own shop, Antoine had worked at a renowned eyewear company called "Abd el Samad" in Aleppo, where he honed his skills.

Like every Syrian, Antoine experienced loss during the war years. His wife, a retired teacher, resides with him and their son, Fadi. Their older son and daughter had left the country and traveled abroad. Antoine's aspiration was for Fadi to learn the optician profession, passing down his knowledge and experience to his son. By doing so, he hoped to encourage Fadi to stay in the country, establish a stable income for himself, and contribute to its growth.

In 2014, a tragic incident occurred that disrupted Antoine's plans. While attempting to start the machines by running an electricity generator, an accidental electrical mishap caused a fire that destroyed his entire shop. The situation was terrifying, leaving a deep scar in Antoine's memory that he still carries to this day. As Antoine grows older, he finds himself confined to his house, grappling with a sense of purposelessness that has taken a toll on his mental well-being. However, despite all the misfortunes, Antoine's optimism shines through. His infectious smile continues to fill the room, even in the aftermath of such hardships. 

With the support Antoine has received, he has finally found his rightful place, indulging in the very thing he loves and, above all, ensuring the well-being of his family while guiding his son. In moments when hardships weigh heavily on our shoulders, recovery and resilience pave the way forward. It is for this very reason that Antoine believed in these principles and got the appropriate support to help him overcome any obstacle thrown his way.

Jan lives with his parents in their modest house. The father is an employee working at Al-Kalima Hospital, and the mother is a housewife so he is the only provider of income for the family

Jan’s family has been through a lot in the past 10 years; during the war his father got hit by a shrapnel in his waist and a shell hit their building’s roof but, thankfully their house was only slightly damaged. Then his mother got severely infected by the coronavirus and after her treatment she was no longer able to open the shop.

Jan’s career begun as an electrician, he worked in this domain for more than four years but his income started to drop due to the harsh economic conditions that were impacting the city thus he was forced to change his profession. 

He decided to become a videographer and started learning the profession by working with several videographer, and now he can work on more than four types of cameras.

After he has been funded, Jan is ready to start fresh after having his own computer and camera. 

Ebrahim’s life hasn’t been easy at any time, gaining money has always been hard; he had to change his job several times because of the poor economic and living conditions. Ebrahim is the only breadwinner for the family, he lives with his wife, son and daughter in the family’s house.

During the war, the family was displaced for four years to Latakia until the area settled and as a result of the earthquake, their house was damaged and they were evacuated

He started his professional career as a furniture sprayer and worked there for two years, then went to military service for other two years, from 1991 to 1996 he worked in a grain factory, after which he worked for a year in furniture spraying, After that for 18 years he worked in the field of spare parts. 

During the family stay in Lattakia, he worked in a plastic siphons factory, and after their return to Aleppo in 2019, he returned to work in the field of spare parts and returned to his main profession; furniture sprayer as a worker; but because of the shop owner’s travel he remained unemployed. lately, he has been working in a factory in the Sheikh al-Najjar area.

Ebrahim has had enough of being a worker during his life and now, after he got the approval from Hope Center, he utilized his empty house which was affected by the earthquake for his work, now he can provide a better income and livelihood for his loved ones.

Patricia's dream is to display her paintings in an exhibition

Patricia’s painting journey began as a hobby to fill her leisure time, however it didn’t take her long to be discovered and recognized by her circle and her teachers have always been her supporters.

Patricia lives in a modest house with her mother (a housewife) and her father who is a worker in a printing press in the Sheikh Najjar area with being the only source of the house’s income. Before the war he used to own a printing press unfortunately the equipment was completely lost and stolen.

She participated in many exhibitions, including an exhibition in Damascus, which had the greatest impact on the request of her paintings by clients, but she did not want to sell because of her desire to create her own exhibition and start working through it. She's planning to homeschool her students; she's got some students ready for the summer.

The Micro Project program allowed her to improve her work by providing the required tools and materials, now Patricia will use her skill to make good income and teach basic painting mechanisms to the interested and talented students. 

Amal lives with her mother and sister. Her father (who is separated from the mother) is not responsible for them.

In 2013, they were displaced from their home more than once because of the war and the high rental prices. Her sister, is currently an employee and her mother is a housewife.

Amal started her career by working for several companies, then she took a nail art course and after that she started working at a Beauty Center for 3 years and left work there due to long working hours and little salary. Then she went to work for three months doing manicures.

After working in several centers, she resigned and allocated her room for work and bought a simple kit. Lately, the shortage of the needed tools has become a major obstacle. So, she started working with gelish, eyebrow tattooing and skin cleansing. She has clients and became well known.

Amal wants to open her own workshop at home and through the Micro-project, she will be able to provide a good income for her family.

“Working from young age helped me gain experience and become a successful craftsman” 

Garo is a single man who lives with his parents and his brother who helps him provide for the household.

Garo started working in a goldsmith workshop back when he was only fifteen years old and he liked this profession and decided to continue in it. In 2010 Garo and his brother took over their father’s workshop to increase their income and gain independence, gradually they equipped the workshop with all the necessities but they were missing one of the most essential machines in their line of work, which led them to need other workshops in order to complete their work, but this dependency cost them a lot of money that’s what made them seriously think of a fast and secure way to provide that machine.

Thanks to Hope Center, now Garo and his brother have the needed machine which helped them reduce their expenses to the bare minimum and now they save a lot of money which enables them to fulfill their family’s needs and daily expenses.

“Life is full of difficulties, but these difficulties are strengthening me” that’s what Majda said, when she summarized her life.

Majda is 58, she lives alone. She has been working in the field of sewing in so many professional workshops from young age and her journey have started from being a worker for several years all the way to opening her own business. Due to her health condition (knee joint problems) she needs is flexible working schedule.

Her earnings were slightly decreased after she prioritized her health over her work and decided to work part time, because she needs rest which is nearly impossible if she stayed as a worker.

Like many other strong women, who know nothing but relying on themselves. She found the solution in opening her own business at home. She will take work from the workshop she used to work with and some acquaintances.

Today, thanks to the funding from the donors, Majda bought the essential sewing machines that saves her time and effort.

Sarkis lives with his wife and his mother; his wife is an employee at a school but soon she will take maternity leave because she is pregnant, his mother is a caregiver for an elderly woman.

Sarkis’s profession is car tuning, he started as a worker back when he was in his early twenties in the Bustan Al-Basha area and stayed in the area until it became unsafe and he had to find another job in a safer region, after a long search he found a job where he is working now.

During the war the family house was damaged by bomb shrapnel and the parish helped them restore it, unfortunately after the earthquake their house got damaged again and they left it and stayed in a church hall. When they returned home, they had to face yet another shock as the house was robbed.

The responsibility of becoming a father is huge therefore Sarkis decided to rent a workplace because he wants to gain independence and take care of his family’s everyday expenses and his newborn baby’s needs.

Sawsan, a wife and mother of two, faced the challenges of her husband's tiring profession in stone cladding, which took a toll on his health. Despite the hardships, he persevered, as there seemed to be no alternative. Witnessing his struggles, Sawsan decided to take matters into her own hands to support their family.

However, fate had other plans when she suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to work or exert herself. Determined to find a solution, she wanted to open a cosmetic shop as the lifeline that could sustain her family. Recognizing the potential of her idea, she applied to the Micro Projects Program for assistance.

With the program's support, Sawsan successfully opened her cosmetic shop, transforming it into a source of livelihood. This endeavor not only provides for her family's immediate needs, but also promises a better and more stable future. 

Adnan, a retired electronic engineer living in Fairouza village, faced financial challenges after retirement, relying solely on a modest pension to support his family. Undeterred, he turned to his lifelong passion for electronic devices maintenance, a skill he cultivated since 1995. However, his work was hindered by the severe lack of electricity in his area and the absence of a suitable chair for his tasks.

Adnan, being the sole provider for his eighth-grade son, improved his work when a solar power system was installed. This transformative solution allowed him to overcome the interruptions caused by power outages, ensuring a stable environment for his electronic repair work. With all the necessary tools at his disposal, he can now pursue his profession without constraints, securing a reliable source of income to support his family.

In Fairouza village, Nassouh and his wife Fahima work side by side, jointly managing a mini-market they established in 2020 to provide for their family. Their younger son seeks better opportunities in Lebanon, while the eldest, resides with them in the village. 

The mini-market offers a variety of food commodities and dairy products. Recently, their thriving business encountered a challenge when the refrigerator stopped due to an unreliable energy supply. The inadequate power led to the spoilage of numerous dairy products, causing financial strain. Determined to address this issue, Nassouh took the initiative and applied to the Micro Projects Program for a solar power system. 

This innovative solution promises to ensure a consistent and uninterrupted energy supply for their shop, also securing a more stable income for their mini-market and family.

Salim's life took a drastic turn with the outbreak of war in 2011. A skilled car mechanic with a thriving workshop in the industrial area of Homs, he owned a house in Al-Sabeel neighborhood and a car. However, when conflict forced Salim, his wife, and their three children to seek refuge in Al-Arman neighborhood, his stable life crumbled.

Jobless and facing the harsh reality of war, he resorted to selling his car for survival. As chaos intensified, their house in Al-Sabeel and Salim's workshop fell victim to theft. In 2012, the family relocated to a village near Homs, where he, desperate to make ends meet, took on various jobs but the hope of reclaiming their lost life decreased, forcing Salim to borrow money from a relative.

He purchased second-hand equipment and worked in the village until 2021. Rising rental costs in the village led the family back to Homs, where he borrowed once more to repair the house and workshop. Amidst these challenges, a disc disease struck him, necessitating surgery and deepening his financial burdens. Forced to sell his workshop to settle debts, he acquired a small shop in Al-Hamidia neighborhood.

Unable to return to his former profession due to health constraints, he ventured into metal and copper welding. In pursuit of stability, he applied to the Micro Projects Program, hoping for support in rebuilding his life. With optimism in his heart, Salim aimed to provide for his family through the newfound opportunity of his small shop in Al-Hamidia.

Rami, a dedicated father and the sole provider for his wife and four children, has been working as a floor tiler since the turn of the millennium. Over the years, his trusty equipment had worn out, and he faced the challenge of frequent electricity shortages, which hampered his productivity in this electricity-dependent profession.

The cost of replacing his equipment and investing in a generator was unaffordable for him, given his responsibility for a large family. Amid the harsh economic conditions of his country, saving up for these necessities seemed like an impossible dream.

However, a ray of hope emerged when Rami's friends introduced him to the Micro Projects Program. He saw this opportunity as a lifeline to renew his equipment and secure his family's livelihood. With hope, he applied to the program, believing that it could be the key to ensuring a dignified life for his beloved wife and children. 

Nidal, a skillful craftsman with over two decades of experience in floor tiling and stone cladding, had always been the backbone of his family in Homs. His wife, daughter, son, and his son's young family relied on his skills for their livelihood.

However, as time went by, his tools and equipment began to show their age. Renewing them became increasingly challenging, with maintenance costs increasing. His work often suffered from the frequent blackouts in the region, causing delays and frustrations. To keep his work afloat, he had to rent an electric generator, which put a significant strain on his finances.

His son had a humble job with a modest income, but the burden of supporting the entire family weighed heavily on Nidal's shoulders. That's when he decided to seek help from the Micro Projects Program. With the assistance, he was able to renew his equipment, breathe new life into his business, and purchase a reliable electric generator.

The improved equipment not only enhanced his productivity but also brought stability to his family's life, Nidal can continue to provide for his loved ones, ensuring a comfortable life for his wife, daughter, son's family, especially, his precious one-year-old granddaughter.

Yolla, a mother of three in Qattinah village, is married to Rasem, a retired employee. The couple and their two unemployed sons, George and Jack, depended on her dairy shop for living. Tragically, the family had already endured the loss of their eldest son, Johnny.

In 2016, she initiated the dairy shop using rented refrigerators, a venture born out of necessity. Over time, these refrigerators became worn-out, maintenance costs soared, and replacement seemed financially impossible. The situation became challenging as she not only prepared and sold dairy products but also handmade food to make ends meet.

Yolla turned to the Micro Projects Program for support, hoping to save her family's only means of survival. With the assistance provided, she successfully revived her project, ensuring a stable future for her family. 

Dalia, a resident of Qattinah village, became the backbone of her family when her husband's health issues forced him out of work. With a modest salary, she bravely took on the responsibility of providing for their family of four. In 2019, she took a bold step by opening a shoe store, hoping to secure a stable living.

However, economic challenges and tough circumstances hindered her ability to restock the store with goods. Her husband made a difficult decision to travel to Lebanon in search of better opportunities for their family. 

Determined not to give up, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program, with the support received, she revitalized her shoe store, ensuring a continuous source of income for her husband, two young children, and herself.

Now, Dalia manages the shoe store, empowered by the Micro Projects Program to secure a better life for her loved ones.

Khalaf Al-Bshara, 51, is married to Shireen Qabalan and lives in a humble house with his parents in Al-Tabbaleh neighborhood.

Despite being a skilled painter since 2003, life had not been kind to Khalaf.

At the beginning of the crisis, his painting work decreased so he started working on transferring vegetables and fruits between his village in Daraa and Damascus until the security conflicts reached the area and it was no longer safe, but he decided to challenge the situation and keep working until he was exposed to kidnapping by the armed groups, the three days he stayed in abduction shattered his stability so he relocated to Damascus to live with his family at his parents’ house.

With opportunities scarce, Khalaf found himself shuttling between different jobs: painting, construction, and even restaurant cleaning, he opted to do any available work to put food on the table but his situation was getting worse and the weight of responsibility pressed down harder in addition to having financial hardships, all of that led his marriage to collapse, as his wife took his daughter and moved to live at her parents’ house while he had to put his son at an orphanage.

Tears welled in Khalaf's eyes as he spoke of his kids, his dream of reuniting his fractured family stirred a deep resolve within him, making him apply for the pick-up car with one goal ahead, the reunion of his family.

The support that he gained from Hope Center isn't just about financial assistance; it symbolizes the promise of reunification, healing fractured bonds, and restoring Khalaf's family. 

Samaan Ashkar, a blacksmith whose life tells the tale of resilience against all odds.

From his humble beginnings in Kashkoul, Samaan started working as a blacksmith where he faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and the loss of his beloved family members, but Samaan's spirit remained unbroken.

In 2003, he decided to relocate to Dubai and try his luck there, he worked in various capacities and experienced both triumphs and tribulations. However, with all the setbacks and financial strains that he went through in Dubai, Samaan managed to preserve, handle his livelihood, and save for his future, then after several years of working hard, Samaan decided eventually to return to Syria and start a new chapter of his life. 

Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he had to endure the loss of his mother, brother, and sister, which left him heartbroken and in poor financial condition as he bore the burden of their medical expenses and funeral costs from his previous work savings. 

With the limited tools and resources, he had, Samaan was not able to start his own business; he had to work at other blacksmithing workshops to get income and afford his living expenses.

Samaan longed to become independent and have his own blacksmithing workshop, which was achieved after getting support from Hope Center to buy electricity generators and necessary equipment and machines.

Today, Samaan is so grateful because having this project marked a pivotal moment in his journey, enabling him to overcome his adversities, and lightening his path toward self-sufficiency and decent living.

Hanna Al-Ajoury 31, resides with his parents and brother Jack, their father, who was employed at the Gas station for 13 years but is currently without work. His brother works as an employee while their other brother, Marhaf, has relocated to Germany.

Before the war, he had worked at his cousin's beverage shop in Zabadani for two years until 2011 when he was called for military service for the next nine years. however, during his military service, he also worked alongside his father at the gas station, to secure his expenses and save some money for the future.

After his discharge from the service, Hanna embarked on a new journey in his life, as he started working as a taxi driver, with the money he saved from his previous work,  got engaged seeking to establish his own family but he was shocked by the huge burdens of living and his endeavors started to vanish.

Seeking assistance from Hope Center in Damascus, Hanna was granted support to purchase a taxi, which significantly improved his life. The newfound independence and stability brought by this taxi helped Hanna support his family and nurture his dreams.

Despite the challenges he faced, Hanna's story exemplifies the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity and create a better reality, one step at a time.

Anastasia Haddad born in 1998, was working diligently as a makeup artist and nail technician, living with her sister Taj in a rented flat in Jaramana after the divorce of her parents as they found solace in each other's company, forming a bond of strength amidst adversity.

Anastasia and Taj's childhood was marked by tumultuous family complications leaving scars that only time could heal. Yet, their determination to carve a brighter future fueled their aspirations and their talents blossomed despite all the challenges they faced.

Anastasia managed to overcome the obstacles by working long hours daily at a Salon in the neighborhood, but the income didn't cover the living expenses and she wanted to expand her work and customers which wasn’t possible with the tools she had, so she decided to apply at the Micro Project program to start her own project.

Supporting Anastasia with a make-up kit including all the necessary tools to start, was a turning point in her life because it enabled her to become independent and enhance her living condition.

George Eskeif, 33 is living alone in a sparsely furnished house in Jaramana while his heart remains tied to his family in Lebanon.

His family's relocation from Idlib to Damascus due to his father's health issues marked a turning point in their lives. George, then a student, saw himself shouldering the responsibility of their household while his father pursued medical treatment in Lebanon.

After completing his military service in 2019, George found himself with no education or experience, so he started working as a taxi driver, hoping to secure a stable income for himself and support his family who was residing in Lebanon as his father was working at a small coffee kiosk, while his brother was working diligently at a snack restaurant. Yet, the harsh realities of life in Lebanon lingered, driving George to ensure his family's well-being by sending them vital medications each month.

full of faith, George applied for the pickup car project at Hope Center seeking financial stability and sustainable livelihood.

the support he got, didn't just offer George financial assistance; it restored his sense of purpose and dignity. It empowered him to support his family while carving his own path to self-reliance and success.

Murhaf Al-Maher 62, is married to Nada Sankari, and the father of two daughters and son. Despite his age and recent health issues, including lung inflammation, Murhaf remained determined to work. His dedication stemmed not just from financial necessity but from a sense of pride in providing for his family and with no hesitation he also supported his daughters; Souryana, while she was pursuing a medical degree, and Rima, who became a music teacher.

In recent years, with his wife's medical expenses and his daughter's university fees looming large, Murhaf had found himself dipping into his savings more frequently. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to their well-being, he kept supporting them through thick and thin, especially during his son-in-law's military service, and had even exhausted his savings to ensure their living. 

Now retired, Murhaf sought to continue working, not just out of necessity and lack of income, but out of a desire to maintain his independence and dignity.

With limited options available due to his age and health, the support he received from the Hope Center to purchase his own taxi, was crucial in ensuring his family's financial stability and allowing them to live with dignity. Despite the challenges he faced, Murhaf remained resolute in his determination to provide for his loved ones, one ride at a time.

Despite life's challenges, Elein Zghaib 28, remained steadfast in her pursuit of a better future. She lives with her family in Jaramana, her father is employed at the Ministry of Education, her mother tends to the household, and her sister, born in 2002, is skilled in nail care and beauty care. Their familial bond was a source of strength as they faced life's adversities together.

Before the crisis, Elein and her family were living in their ancestral home in Dweileh, but circumstances forced them to sell it and relocate. During that period, she graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration then she started working at Syriatel from 2016 to 2020 in marketing and sales. However, the income she got was barely enough to meet her own expenses without being able to provide for the house. Elein sought new horizons in the field of hairdressing and beauty care then she decided to travel to Lebanon in early 2022 seeking better opportunities but low salary and harsh conditions prompted her return after eight months.

Upon her return, Elein continued working as a freelance at various salons, often alongside her sister. She honed her skills through self-teaching leading to undeniable expertise in hairstyling.

With a vision for the future, Elein dreamed of opening her own salon, a joint venture with her sister, and with the help she got from Hope Center, this dream turned into reality.

Today, both sisters are determined to shoulder responsibilities and contribute to their family's expenses, facing life's challenges with unwavering resolve and great hopes.

Mufeed Hejazy, 28, lives with his family in a rented house in Dwallaa. His household consisted of his parents, his elder brother, who works at a goldsmith workshop, and his unemployed sister. Mufeed himself had volunteered for a charitable project in 2020 then he worked at a cosmetic company for two years until it closed. 

Mufeed and his family faced numerous hardships during the crisis in Syria, including his father suffering with chronic bronchitis which was very costly so they sought help from a local charity for the life-saving oxygen machine. Additionally, during the conflict in Maaloula in 2013, his father was kidnapped along with their car, requiring a hefty ransom of money for the release.

Despite the challenges, Mufeed persevered, seeking employment after the closure of the cosmetic company. However, finding stable work was difficult, especially since he didn't have the chance to gain any experience or education degree during his 9 years of military service.

With support from Hope Center, Mufeed was able to purchase a taxi, which formed a fresh start for him, a pathway to financial independence, and a means to navigate life's challenges without relying on others.

Karin Jbeil, a woman of remarkable courage and determination, born in 1989, lived a journey of strength and self-discovery that shaped her life forever.

Married to Wissam Al Ramahin, a dedicated hospital employee, Karin’s life revolved around her family. With two precious children, Sharbel born in 2010, and Christelle in 2013, her days were filled with love and purpose.

Karin's entrepreneurial spirit ignited in 2008 when she enrolled in a nail and waxing course at the European Institute. From 2012 onwards, she began her journey offering her skills to the community. Her home, became her workplace, with a room dedicated to her craft.

The echoes of war that ravaged their area in subsequent years did not deter Karin. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, she persevered, balancing her career aspirations with the safety of her children so she started to work in a nearby childcare center for two years, ensuring stability for her family during tumultuous times.

As peace slowly returned to Dowella, Karin resumed her passion for beauty, working part-time at local salons but the low salary wasn’t worth the long hours she spent far from her kids. She yearned to establish her own beauty salon, equipped with nail and waxing services.

Having support from Hope Center to have her own salon not only empowered her to become financially independent, but also assured her that dreams can flourish, and lives can be transformed.

Reineh Al-Hosh was born in 1997 into a family of craftsmen, Reineh's destiny seemed to unfold within the sparks of a blacksmith's workshop as his father, a seasoned blacksmith, toiled tirelessly at the forge.

From 2017, Reineh honed his craft across various workshops, absorbing every flicker of knowledge passed down by his father's skilled hands. Yet, amidst the clanging of metal, shadows loomed over his family as many health issues burdened his parents, casting shadows over his aspirations.

Reineh was yearning to take his own path, where he could establish his workshop depending on his father's experience to succeed, but the meager wages he was taking prevented him from saving money to achieve that endeavor.

with support from Hope Center, Reineh was granted all the necessary machines and equipment that enabled him to start his own workshop with resilience and prosperity despite the challenges, the workshop stood as a testament to their unwavering perseverance, offering solace in the middle of instability and promising a better future.

Saadeh Nader, born in 1993, is married and residing in a rented house in Kashkoul with his parents.

Saadeh's professional journey began in the printing industry. Initially working in a print shop in Safita, he later ventured into freelance graphic design, harnessing his skills in graphic design from 2016 to 2020. Despite setbacks, including the closure of his father's marketplace, Saadeh remained resilient.

In 2020, he moved to Damascus and secured employment at Food Products Company, where he honed his graphic design skills further. 

Despite the challenges that the country was going through which reflected negatively on his financial condition, Saadeh's entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. With his expertise in graphic design and printing, he envisioned a printing center that offers a variety of services, from printing cards and documents to thermal printing on magnets and pillows, Saadeh felt that he possessed the technical knowledge needed to manage his own printing center.

He gathered his courage and applied to the Micro-Project program in Damascus. Today, after the fund, Saadeh had his own source of living that helped to improve his conditions, provide a decent livelihood for his parents, and promise him of better livelihood. 

Osama Dawod hails from the war-torn region of Al-Zabadani, where destruction marred the landscape, leaving his family's home in ruins, forcing them to leave due to escalating violence, and settle in Bloudan holding onto hope and resilience.

However, despite financial constraints hindering his education, Osama's determination never wavered. He worked tirelessly, learning how to make Western snacks and grilled meals.

During that period, he took on various jobs to support his household, from working as a kitchen assistant to packing relief supplies, insisting on preserving a decent livelihood during the terrible years of war.

In 2021, he moved to Damascus, where he worked in a restaurant as a sous chef. However, his aspirations soared beyond the kitchen. With a vision to create a unique snack venture, Osama aspired to establish his own snack bar, offering a variety of sizzling sandwiches on a griddle. His desire for a better future propelled him forward to apply to the Micro-Project Center asking for support.

Today, through his hard work, determination, and unwavering faith, and by the support he had from Hope Center to establish his own project, Osama transformed challenges into opportunities, igniting hope for a brighter tomorrow.