Elia Karam and Antoine Karam are two brothers who decided to retrieve their career and start again at their lathing workshop.

Elia lives with his wife and his son. Antoine is also married and has a son; the two brothers are responsible of providing for their parents.

Before the war the brothers worked at their workshop in Al-Arkoub, but during the war the shop was destroyed so they left it and started a work with a friend of theirs.

Unfortunately, this partnership took a bad turn and this friend started controlling them more and more and exploiting the work because he had the biggest part of finance.

They also had to leave their house many times in order to escape from the bombs, their lives were in real threat, they feared for their children and families.

Thankfully they survived without any injuries but the fear was forever planted in their hearts and the desperation from this kind of life where nothing is really stable.

Elia and Antoine heard about the Micro Projects Program which they discussed together and found that it is exactly what they have been looking for to gain back their work independence and go back to their workshop with all the experience they have.

“Our big challenge now is to revive our job which is like many careers that were about to disappear at war time, and to have the courage to work again under the harsh economic crisis. Now we are looking forward to renew our workshop and machines to restart our work and improve our lives. Everything needs courage you just have to take the first step.”

In one of the most beautiful streets in Aleppo, and probably from the most heavily affected areas by war, Nabil Shouha and his mother Soaad live. The old embellished buildings of Al-Azizieh have witnessed a lot of dark days during the war; mortar shells, deadly shrapnel and sniper shots threatened the life of the residents and spread fear among people.

The 33-years-old Nabil with his mother stayed there the whole time despite all the horror and fear, one time a mortar shell broke into their Living room and caused a lot of destruction and the majority of the house was burnt and turned into ashes, thankfully they were not at home when this tragedy happened. 

Nabil’s house location wasn’t the only dangerous place, he has dodged many dangers and managed to survive from several accidents, for instance when he was working as a cashier in a café in Al-Mogambo, a missile hit the street and it was a miracle that he wasn’t hurt.

Working in the café wasn’t Nabil’s first job, for 10 years he was an accountant in a clothes retail company, but in 2015 the company was closed. However, in 2017 after the withdrawal from Eastern Aleppo, Nabil wanted to be self-employed. Although there are more responsibility and risk but at the same is would be much more self-fulfilling and rewarding. Indeed, the young man started looking for an idea and a location to open his own project which turned out to be a bookshop for stationery. The project launched successfully and the income was reasonable, but the constant financial challenges and the currency value made upgrading and enlarging the investment in stock nearly impossible without the help. 

With this project Nabil hopes to add new varieties; different types of merchandise, that will end up in reviving the business and increasing the income.

When you live in a fifth-floor apartment in Al-Suleymanieh area, with no High buildings around you to protect you from the shells you can relate to Aboud sayes’s story.

When Aboud (34-years-old) married his wife Aline few years into war, buying a house was hard for the young couples, one of their relatives felt sympathy towards their struggle and offered them an apartment to live in since the owners had left Syria because of the war and the house was empty anyway.

Aboud appreciated this generous gesture sincerely, it lifted a huge financial burden off his shoulders and gave him the possibility to focus on establishing a business of his own to provide for his family, after a couple of years during the war, the family welcomed their first daughter and not long after that their son.

Despite their house’s critical location, the damage was mostly exterior; in broken glassware and windows from the nearby explosions, Aboud and his family didn’t leave their apartment only for a short time when the situation was unbearable, the greater damage was the emotional and psychological one, Aline still remembers how she would grab the newborn baby girl and run, seeking a safer place under the building staircases. While Aline was concerned with her children’s safety, Aboud had an additional concern; how to provide for them. 

His business was good, he was relying on his old experiences in clothes manufacturing workshops to excel in a not far field of designing clothes embellishment patterns and embroidery. However, the problem with that type of business is that it is always developing, there are constant improvement in machinery and tools that Aboud in the midst of everything else could not keep pace, the high prices of this machinery prevented him from getting ahead in his job and eventually became overwhelmed by the slowing business. 

This support will give Aboud the opportunity to outplay the economic hardships that Syrian business owners are facing, he will add to his existing machines a laser fabric cutting machine to expand his production and make a decent living for his family. 

Fadi Alsaado is a former employee in the local postal corporation, he is happily married to Rima who works in Aleppo University, the couple have a 21-years-old daughter Eva; an English Literature college student.

This family’s life took a shocking turn when in 2013 Fadi was kidnapped while working, it was a terrible experience to be ambushed the way he was while running a work task; he was on his way leaving his office to the destination mentioned, when he found himself surrounded with armed men forcing him to go with them without making a scene. Fadi had no choice but to comply to their orders and entered the car, blindfolded. Fadi arrived to a place full of other men beaten-up, he was terrified of facing the same destiny, when the unexpected happened… one of the detainees recognized Fadi and seemed to be confused on how to act, but Fadi on the other hand could not know who this masked man was. After what it seemed like a lifetime, the kidnappers decided to set him free. 

A week later, Fadi and his family decided to leave, he couldn’t bear to stay in Aleppo after what he been through, the family sold their house and quit their jobs but unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, Alsaado family didn’t have a chance to travel as they wanted, heartbroken they had to come back to Aleppo. Rima reconnected with her old workplace and was able to get her job back, and her parents offered them their house to stay in.

Fadi needed to find a job, the only possible work for him now is on a taxi, specially that Fadi already has the license that qualifies him for driving public transportation. It will be a new start for him and a chance to be more independent instead of losing all the savings left with the family. 

Hakop Santorian is originally from Al-Ghassaniya village in Idleb province, he worked as a goldsmith with his uncle since 1998.

He lived with his parents in Al-Midan area, during the war the house was damaged by the shells many times. In 2016, he decided to move to Armenia with his family, especially for the sake of his brother who suffers from a mental disability, but unfortunately they were shocked by the livelihood reality there; the rents were very high and the job opportunities were very limited, Hakop worked there in designs for two years but the situation was very hard.

When the family found out that things are better in Syria, they returned to Aleppo. Hakop searched for a job but he couldn’t go back to his old work as the new regulations limited the work in this field, his brother offered him a job in his workshop for plastic molds; as he was gaining experience in this business, he also gained many acquaintances in the area. 

This job requires a mean of transportation for the shipping and services, which is something Hakop quickly noticed and he started to think about this project that he would benefit from a great deal; if he had a pick-up truck he would make a lot of profit and also increase the work in the workshop, that’s way he will have a bigger income than his current percentage, specially that his wife Tamar doesn’t work so he is the only provider.

This job will allow Hakop to make a good living on his own, and he can then start thinking about having a child and expand his family with a hope for a better days to come.

For 18 years, George Abd Almassih worked in the clothes sale business, the long years of experience made the 55-years-old man familiar with all aspects of the clothes manufacturing and distribution field. The recent years of war had its daunting impact on the industry but George had always been determined to defy the hardships and stay in the domain that he loves and chose to be in for approximately 2 decades. However, the economic restrictions were not the sole effect of war on George’s life. 

In 2015, a missile hit George’s house in Al-Seryan area which caused massive destruction and the injury of George’s leg; his injury was severe, the damage in his bones was irretrievable, surgeries were conducted and metal plates were installed to help the recovery process. For the six months following the surgery George relocated to the suburbs of Homs city (his wife’s hometown) while Aleppo was going through the toughest period during war.

Till this day the plates are George’s constant reminder of the challenges he went though. When he decided to move back to Aleppo, he found a severely damaged house that was in desperate need of rehabilitation, and while his medical bills were supported by the church and the hospital (since he was considered war-wounded), his house rehabilitation bills put a burden on his shoulders but he was able to repair it with the help of some supportive friends.

Despite all the hardships he faced, George did not abandon his job except for the six months after the surgery. But the difficulties were increasing by the day, making the expansion of his business an unrealistic idea, unless he finds the financial support that encourages him for a big step like that. 

That is why George was thinking about investing in more merchandise that he ships regularly from Damascus, in addition to entering the manufacturing domain, by purchasing the machinery and equipment needed to produce pieces in his own workshop. According to him the combination of the instant payoff of selling the imported merchandise and the good income from the manufacturing process on the long run will reduce the risks and ensure the financial success for George in his new career choice.  

It’s been three years since Gabriel Afessa returned from Lebanon, but he is still not able to go back to his main profession and practice in manufacturing metal furniture like he used to do before. This craftsman is 54 years old, married and blessed with two children; a 23 years old son Yousef and 10 years old daughter Angie. 

From a very young age he started learning about blacksmith, then he broadened his horizon and entered the domain of upholstery and spent a lifetime working hard on cultivating his skills and providing for his family.

During the war, he was obliged to have other jobs to survive; in 2012 he was selling cigarettes in the street near his house in Al-Midan after he lost his work, but the whole area suffered from shells attacks the thing that made Gabriel move to Lebanon. During his stay in Lebanon he worked in blacksmith; he suffered a lot from work exploitation, low salaries and discrimination against Syrians working there, all this made him decide to come back. In 2018, Gabriel returned to Aleppo with less financial reserves than what he left with in 2015. he couldn’t open a workshop of his own and the contractors he used to collaborate with before the war were all gone too. He found a job as an employee in a juice factory, but at the end he realized that he had to go back to his original craft; manufacturing metal furniture in order to have a decent life.

Today Gabriel has all the skills and the experience needed in his work field, and one of his supportive friends gave him a place to use as a workshop without any charge in return, the only obstacle in his way is the lack of finance to buy the equipment and tools that are essential for him to be able to work properly. Without some necessary machines for instance, he can’t cut the metal material and shape them to create the furniture he wants. 

This project will help this skillful man to get back to his work and provide for his family, and also to revive this craft which is returning to demand.

For a person who has chosen driving for a living since 1997, it became more than a profession and turned into a lifestyle. 

Hanna Wassouf Afessa first started with a construction company driving one of their dump trucks then in 2006 after nine years with the company he retired and chose to drive inside the city on a taxi car, it was more convenient specially that by that time he made a contract with Al-Enaya School to drive on of the school buses that carry the students daily. 

Although driving was not his original profession, (Hanna worked in wall paints but due to some health problems caused by the chemical fumes, he had to walk away from that job), but he found his passion in driving, he tried working on every type of different vehicles.

When the war started in Syria in late 2011, it did not stop Hanna from practicing what he loves, on the contrary he was working on highway transportation between provinces, and by the time the highways were not that safe anymore, a new service started to become popular; escorting cars to cross highways between Syrian cities.

Hanna soon caught up that wave and started escorting families that wanted to travel by land and in their own cars, guiding them through the bumpy roads until they reach the safety shores away from Aleppo and its dangers, then he would return alone after his mission is successfully accomplished. That process went on for a while, the profit was good considering the huge risk of getting hurt or kidnapped, which is what happened one day…

On one of those journeys, some bandits crossed his way threatening Hanna and the family he was escorting, by a miracle they were left physically unharmed, but that incident was enough for Hanna to quit that risky job, specially that he was newly married and about to start a family.

The only thing to regret from quitting was the good income, he knew he needed to find an additional source of income, when the situation became worse with all the increasing costs of living. To counteract those increasing costs, Hanna left his rented apartment and moved in with his mother-in-law to cut back the expenses. But if Hanna could have his own taxi, things will start to get better for him (he currently rent a car to work) and his financial situation will change drastically, allowing Hanna to support his mother financially and live a decent life.

Antoinette Al-Shahin and her husband George Kerbaj found themselves in an empty nest after their two boys left the country during the war; after finishing their university studies, the boys were struggling, Antoinette and George were also desperate to make sure that their precious sons get a better future as the war was slowly crawling into the lives of Syrian civilians. The only place they were able to send their kids to was Venezuela, in order to cover the travel expenses George sold his taxi, the family’s source of livelihood.

Losing that car had a huge impact on the financial status of the family, George had to find another way to provide but unfortunately his heart condition and overall health didn’t leave much of a choice for the 61-years-old man, Antoinette became the main provider of the house. During the war particularly at the start of it in Aleppo (around 2013) their house in Al-Suleymanieh area was damaged more than once, and although the church helped with most of the repairing costs, it was overwhelming to stay and relive the explosion moments that caused the destruction in the first place, so Antoinette and her husband relocated to Damascus; Antoinette’s hometown, her brother who used to own a women’s clothes shop started depending on his sister in the business, and slowly Antoinette acquired a ton of experience in sales, and got acquainted with many suppliers. This experience became extremely helpful after the couple moved back to Aleppo in 2018, since they rented a shop in the same neighborhood where they live and started selling women’s clothes for a living.

George now helps his wife in everything, he stays in the shop while she goes to make business deals with suppliers, or travels to Damascus to ship some merchandise. However, the constantly rising prices are making it harder for the couple to invest in more supplies or to spend on necessary storefront details maintenance. 

The help they are wishing to get for opening a clothes shop will be very useful; since the more variety of items they offer in the shop, the more customers they can satisfy and thus the wheel of business will run faster for the lovely couple. 

Jeanette Dahrieh is a beautiful young lady and a mother of four who is about to join the work force to support her family. 

This 28-year-old woman made a hard decision to work with four children and no previous experience, but she felt the urge to step up and do something, specially that the war has impacted their lives gravely. Jeanette and her family were living in Al-Midan area when the war started, back then she had her son Victor and she was about to give birth to her daughter, although they were not harmed but the horrible sounds of shells falling around was nerve wrecking. On top of that the house was rented and Marwan (Jeanette’s husband) was called for military recruitment, the thing that limited the family’s resources. 

Jeanette was praying for a safer place, God answered her prayers and a good man offered them a place in a relatively safer area so she was relieved, they moved to the new apartment although couple of years later it turned out to be as dangerous as Al-Midan. However, the thing that made them suffer the most was the financial troubles, Marwan was the sole provider for the family of five and his salary was not enough to secure the basic needs of the children. One day he got injured with shrapnel that caused a hip bone fracture which required a long recovery process.

All those challenges made Jeanette more insistent to find a job, but with four children all under nine it was impossible to find a work with a company or a workshop, because of the long hours and strict schedule. 

Jeanette had an idea, she thought that maybe she could utilize her talents and interest in makeup and beauty domain to make a living and support her four children. But that road was rocky too. The first obstacle that Jeanette had to face was the lack of finances, she couldn’t afford to rent a salon or a shop, and she was not known in the business field and didn’t know where to start. That’s exactly why her idea was postponed until she applied and got accepted for her micro project. 

Today Jeanette is full of hope and optimistic about her idea, she believes that renting the shop will allow potential clients to get to know the shop and at the same time the instant profits from selling beauty products and underwear will help her get through the first period until she builds a good reputation as a makeup artist, and the best thing is that the shop is actually in front of her own building, that way she could be near her children when she needs to. This support will create an income for this big family as Jeanette is the only provider now, and as a strong woman she is ready to depend on herself.

Naeem Ahmar is 43 years old, together with wife Rima, the couple were blessed with their son George (7 years old). 

Naeem is a paperwork facilitator, he has been working in this domain since 2000, he first started with an office specialized in this field, but when the war started in 2011-2012, the office was closed down and Naeem worked independently since then. However, in this field of work a practicing license is required and Naeem didn’t have one, which made his work limited and reflected on his income. 

Away from work things weren’t much better; Naeem’s fifth floor house in Al-Midan was extremely dangerous, numerous shrapnel from shells penetrated their windows and doors, this situation forced Naeem to leave his home seeking safety in his old employer’s house. It was safer in that area; Rima didn’t have to run with her toddler and hide in the internal doorways every time she heard an explosion. At that time, they were desperate and losing hope by each passing day, the thought of leaving the country often crossed their minds, but leaving their parents was not possible which made them stay and endure all the hardships. 

Naeem and his wife who works as an accountant for a car-parts retail store, were struggling to survive and support their parents too. When Naeem's friend asked his help in driving his car for about a month, he discovered how well this job pays, specially if he utilizes all his acquaintances in delivering their goods. Naeem decided to apply for his project full of hope that it is a step to enable him provide a decent life for the two families. 

Bushra Katanjian had a good life with his wife Silvana and their two sons, Jean and Issa.

But the war cost Bushra more than he ever imagined, his losses were growing through the years. First, he lost his job; he was a crane driver since 1980, but in 2014 due to the war, the business was slow and the income from it was no longer useful. Then his wife got shot when she was in the local market of Al-Midan near her house, although she made it through, the injury left its impact on her. That horrible experience was followed by another graver one, when their building was hit with an explosive shell which caused the walls to crack.

Surviving all those deadly experiences was a miracle, Bushra was thankful that they were all safe despite everything and life continued. Bushra started new job in 2015 when he decided to rent a taxi and use it as his livelihood source of income in order to provide for his family, things were starting to turn around, the family thought that the hard days are over, not knowing what fate was still hiding…

In 2020, Bushra’s oldest son who was in the military service, came home and spent the holidays with his parents, then returned to his serving point in AlـMaara city. The young man said goodbye to his parents with tearful eyes and those were the last memories of him; the morning after they heard the news of their precious son’s death… He was only 32, he had his whole life ahead of him, but the dreadful war stole his dreams and hopes and crushed his parent’s hearts.

When Bushra applied for his project of a taxi, he had mixed feelings, his wounded heart was impacted with the great loss of his son, and his eyes were hopeless, filled with despair and pain. He is still in grief, mourning his young son but at the same time he knew that he had a family that still needs him, he didn’t have another choice but to stay strong and be there for his wife and son Issa. He needs this opportunity as the responsibilities on his shoulders are bigger than ever, hoping that time will heal his heart and give him and his family the condolence.

Talaat, a hardworking farmer from Qattinah village, faced adversity when thieves stole his irrigation network. This setback left his water pond and well, equipped with a pump, useless, limiting him to planting only wheat on his land. As a husband and father of two university students, he felt the weight of providing for his family. With the stolen irrigation system, he struggled to cultivate a variety of crops to improve their livelihood.

However, with the support of a new irrigation network, Talaat's hopes blossomed anew. Now equipped with everything needed for a well-watered farm, he eagerly began planting potatoes and a variety of vegetables without worries. This stability not only transforms his farm but also holds the promise of changing his family's future, ensuring them a dignified life. 

Alaa, a devoted family man from the village of Qattinah, faced the trials of sustaining his family through farming and seasonal fishing. 

He works in his father-in-law's land, entrusted with its care while his father-in-law traveled abroad. In this land there was a partnership between his father-in-law and someone else and this partnership had once thrived, when they equipped the land with essential irrigation tools.

In 2022, Alaa's world shattered as his father-in-law's partner sold their shared assets, leaving him deprived of the crucial equipment and water access. 

With no recourse, his farming activities were paused, casting shadows over his family's livelihood.

Yet, hope flickered in the form of the Micro Projects Program, where he sought aid to restore his dreams. He applied for a solar power and irrigation systems, envisioning a future where his land flourishes once more.

Amidst the olive trees and vegetable crops, Alaa's resilience bloomed. With the installation of solar panels and an efficient irrigation system, his land came to life. 

Fadi is married with two children, he cherishes the simplicity of life alongside his aging parents. Enduring a two-year struggle with liver inflammation and diabetes, he found stability, embracing gratitude for his family and health.

Specialized in pastry making, a skill acquired in Lebanon, he operates a modest shop with his wife. He also works in farming with an arable land. He worked hard to enhance productivity year-round. However, lacking a water pump and motor hindered his ambition, limiting cultivation to winter season.

Despite efforts to rent equipment, the high costs hindered the progress. His cultivation during the summer was limited to wheat, due to the water scarcity. 

Hope flickered when Fadi applied for the Micro Projects Program, through the program's intervention, he received vital irrigation equipment, transforming his agricultural prospects. Now, empowered by efficient water management, he became able to secure a dignified life for his loved ones. 

Sami, the head of a family of four in Qattinah village, struggled with the financial burden of farming. As both a dedicated employee and a farmer with olive and almond trees, he faced challenges plowing his land and providing essential treatments due to high equipment rental costs. Undeterred, he sought help from the Micro Projects Program.

He secured a mini-cultivator and a spraying pump. This invaluable support not only alleviated the strain of expensive tractor rentals but also empowered him to tend to his land effectively. 

Now, Sami cultivates his land with ease, saving costs and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The support has not only transformed his struggles into success but has also paved the way for a brighter future, promising his family a more prosperous and secure livelihood.

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.

Elias Al-Ghabra is one of the minorities who are still interested in preserving the family profession as he began working in the field of manufacturing convection ovens with his father at a young age in a rental workshop in Jaramana and continued in the filed alongside his study.

The main field of work is manufacturing thermal ovens based on gas after the electric ovens stopped being demanded due to the terrible electricity situation in the country, their work increased and they also started to receive ovens maintenance orders. 

In 2010 Elias was called for military service and the war began shortly after he joined, so he was transferred to serve in Al-Hasakah Governorate until 2019, during which he went through difficult circumstances and faced many dangers. However, on his vacations, he used to return home and help his father in the workshop.

However, as a result of the significant increase in prices in addition to his mother’s battle with cancer and her treatment in Al-Biruni Hospital, their business deteriorated and the expenses became higher than the income forcing them to sell some of the equipment to cover the mother’s treatment expenses.

After Elias was discharged from service in 2019, he returned to work with his father, but the remaining equipment and materials were not enough to strengthen the work and have a proper income to cover the living expenses.

With the help of Hope Center, Elias was supported to purchase new machines to enable this intrepid young man to expand his work which will positively impact his living circumstances and help preserve the family's profession.

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.

Alaa is a talented young man in his twenties, he lives with his parents and sister in Jaramana after being displaced from their home in Harasta due to the armed conflict in the area at the beginning of the Syrian crisis.

Alaa was always passionate about photography so he trained at a young age at a Clacket studio to learn more about this career, then he got employed at the communication department at SSSD as a photographer until 2018 trying to find better income to match the increasing costs of living.

Soon after, he started working at an event planning office as a photographer and videographer, but at the same time he was dreaming of having his own equipment that would enable him to establish private work and develop his career.

With the help of Hope Center, Alaa was supported to purchase a camera which was a dream coming true for him as he is able now to have his own photography session, and at the same time add his own signature which will empower his name in the field and open the chance of developing his work and improving his living conditions.

In the heart of a bustling area nestled a home where dreams brewed and aspirations soared. Dhyaa Al-Btros, his wife, and his family members lived within its walls, each floor holds a part of his close-knit family.

Since 2004, he delved into the field of confectionery, honing his skills by working at various pastry shops. In 2008 he was called for military service until 2010. Upon discharge, he returned to his roots in Khabab, opening a pastry shop until 2014 when adversity struck, so he relocated his shop to the Al-Dukhanieh area in Damascus, but the situation wasn't any better there as violent incidents and armed conflict took place in the area which resulted in the loss of his shop.

Undeterred, he adopted a novel approach, distributing goods via electric bicycles until 2019 when he was called again for the reserve service for three years before resuming the distribution of goods and biscuits, using his brother's electric bicycle.

Presently, Dhyaa toils in the morning as a warehouse worker, and by dusk, continues his work on a bicycle, aspiring to have a pick-up truck for efficient distribution, which would improve his income and release him from the hard morning work. 

considering this tapestry of trials and challenges, Dhyaa was supported by the Micro project program to purchase his own pick-up truck hoping to empower his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, improve his living conditions, and preserve his dignity.

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.