One of the hardest things to experience is to feel helpless, to have a threatening danger in your own house but have nowhere to go, and that’s exactly what Rami Boulos and his mother Odette went through.

Rami, is a 38 years-old electrical technician, he doesn’t have a shop so his clients get in touch by phone. Many years ago, Rami had a work injury where he hurt his back and developed Disc problems, and as a result wasn’t able to take job offers that involve some kind of physical activity, leaving him with limited options and decreasing his income tremendously.

Three years ago, while Rami’s mom was washing the dishes in the kitchen, a massive explosion happened, she was terrified, the missile hit the apartment balcony and it was completely destroyed, the door was blown away from the living room which was covered with dust and stones. Thankfully, she wasn’t physically hurt but being in that situation was emotionally devastating.

After couple of days Rami and his mom returned to their house since they couldn’t afford moving to safer neighborhood. Rami wants to find a solution, he wants to make a better future and to be able to take care of his mother specially that she has health problems too, her knee joints are damaged and for that she has to take injections but they are expensive so she sometimes has to cut off her medication when they can’t afford it.

That’s why Rami has to take action and work on his new business plan; he wants to open an electrical maintenance shop in an area that has many potential customers, This job is not only going to increase his income, it also would spare him the physical effort and it is a success because of his former experience. 

Ibrahim Diab’s life can be described with anything but ordinary. 

The 29-years-old young man lives with his mother and father and his brother Michael, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Michael is not the only handicapped in the family, Lena his aunt, who has a similar condition moved in with them after her parents (who used to take care of her) passed away. 

From an early age, since 2008, Ebrahim worked in a company for elevators’ installment; the business which was affected dramatically due to the lack of electricity in the city. 

During the years of war, the mortar shells and missiles were falling in Ibrahim’s neighborhood, many neighbors lost their houses and cars, some of them even lost their lives. With every explosion sound, they were frightened, Ibrahim didn’t have to worry only about himself, but also about Michael who can’t walk on his own. Whenever shells would fall, Ibrahim would carry his brother on his back and takes him somewhere safe (like the building entrance downstairs). It was exhausting for the young man to carry the burden of the whole family on his own…His father works in house cleaning, which doesn’t pay him a lot. Of course, having two disabled members in the family doubles the livelihood costs, thankfully the church helps them with the medicines and other supplies needed for them. 

Ibrahim tries his best to support his family, when the business was having a hard time, his job was not constant nor his salary, he had to find another job besides the elevator installment job, hence for two years he worked in the JRS kitchen (2016-2018), but eventually he needs a better future plan. But because his brother heavily depends on him, he needs a flexible schedule to be able to be around in times of need. The flexible schedule also makes it possible to keep his on-call job in the elevator installment company, consequently, he will have 2 sources of income instead of one. 

For Ibrahim, owning a taxi would solve many issues, It’s both profitable and flexible. Maybe it’s time for caregivers like Ibrahim to be taken care of for once, this extra push is all they need to continue the unconditional care and love they offer to their community.

When you practice the same job day after day for more than 25 years, it doesn’t only turn to a daily routine but it also becomes a part of who you are.

That’s how we can describe Sarkis’s case. Since 1991, Sarkis Avakian (58-years-old) has been touring the streets of Aleppo city, driving the school bus, gathering kids to take them to their school every morning. Driving the school bus is the way Sarkis provides for his family of five; his wife Ani, his son Mesrop, daughter Aline and his 75-years-old mother.

To support the family’s livelihood the 26-years-old Mesrop works as an automobile’s electrician, Aline his daughter does her best too, she works part time to cover her expenses as she is still a college student. They are barely making things work depending also on the financial aid the church distributes.

During the war, the family was no exception from all the people that were affected, specially that they live in Al-Midan neighborhood which was targeted with all kinds of missiles and mortar bombs, being near the contact lines between conflicting forces… one day the inevitable happened; a missile hit Sarkis’s building... the lower floor was burnt off completely and four people died on that day… 

Luckily Sarkis and his family were safe, but their house was damaged, many cracks occurred in the walls, but with all the high costs of living they weren’t able to do the needed repairs, specially that Alice; Sarkis’s mother suffers from serious health problems, like heart and kidney failure which demand permanent medication, his wife also suffers from Thyroid insufficiency which requires medications, all of that put additional burden on Sarkis’s back.

In couple of years Sarkis will reach the age of retirement, that’s why he is thinking ahead and trying to have a plan B for his career. It’s how the idea of owning a taxi came to his mind. And since driving is almost his only career for more than two decades, it will suite him the best and at the same time it will improve his income significantly, that way he will be able to repair his house and support his family. 

My name is Ebrahim Darakji, I live with my sister Najlaa, she is a 42 years old single woman, and our mother Janet in our house in Azizieh area in Aleppo. I worked in the cotton clothes industry specifically underwear field since 2007, my shop was in Sheikh Maksoud and the work was great, I worked there till 2013 when the war started in Aleppo, Sheikh Maksoud was one of the first areas to be damaged by the war. In 2013, I left my shop with all the goods there, it was a shock and an unexpected loss for me. In 2014, I traveled to Safita, it’s a small village in the outskirts of Tartous city, and the most important thing that this area was relatively safe during most of the war time. I worked there as a distributor of the clothes from the main owner to the smaller shops. Unfortunately, in 2016 I was recruited in the military service in I spent two years in there till I was discharged in 2018. I heard about Micro Projects and I found it the opportunity that I am looking for to try and get back to work. My project is a cotton underwear shop, I need the shop rent and the goods to start my business, I chose this project because I have a lot of experience in this field and hopefully regain my life back.

A career in Aluminum joinery is a demanding job, it needs manual skills and physical strength, Kevork Demirjian Has been in this domain since 1980. He was a young man when he started to work in this craft and didn’t let go of it until this day. Although he has a great experience in this field, but he has not owned a workshop of his own. 

Kevork worked hard to provide for his family of four, things were okay and he was able to maintain a decent life for them, but the stability that he was trying hard to maintain was changed because of the war…

The Syrian war was accompanied by an economic crisis, which made the daily living expenses multiply by ten times…  and the burden of supporting four people from one modest salary became impossible. However, Kevork’s two sons rolled up their sleeves and found jobs to cover their own expenses and help their father; Sarkis the 23-years-old engineering student worked as an accountant, and Paul the 20-years-old English literature student worked in a sandwich shop.

Kevork is not the same young man as he used to be, one day when he can’t practice his job anymore, he’ll be left with no source of income considering that he doesn’t even have a pension, that’s what worries him the most. He doesn’t want to be a burden on his children, specially that they have their own future to secure in these hard times that the Syrians are going through. 

Kevork has an idea that might help him to increase his income, and at the same time an alternative career after retiring from his current job. A pick-up truck is something very much needed for transporting the products from the Aluminum workshops to the customer, and carry around the material.

Through his current job and his acquaintances in this field, the pick-up truck will be very useful and profitable, something that is related to his work and this way the family will very much benefit from this help.

Elias Masheq is a 64-years-old man who still has the perseverance to work and be an independent individual and a provider for his family.

He has four daughters with his wife Maria, all married too, leaving the old couple living alone in their house. But due to Maria’s health condition (heart disease and recent open-heart surgery) and the shells on their neighborhood, they were obliged to leave their house in Al-Midan several times, seeking refuge in their daughter house until the couple eventually settled in Maria’s sister house that is on a lower floor which is convenient for Maria’s health.

Anyhow, Elias had other problems too. The 64-years-old used to work on his mini pickup truck when the war started in 2012. All roads were shut over the city, which made it impossible for him to continue working in the driving job, in order to secure his daily bread, he started selling popular local beverages on his car, but later when winter came, he switched to selling homemade pickles tat Maria used to prepare to help make a living. However, it wasn’t long until the pick-up truck was broken down and Elias didn’t have enough money to repair it, so the car was parked for a long time and Elias had to continue working using a cart to sell his products around the city. 

Today, Elias is tired of wandering around the city his cart all day, as he himself is getting older and this kind of routine is exhausting. He is wishing to have his own taxi, it is the only thing he could think of that suits his age and condition, it provides a much better income for him and at the same time is more comfortable specially that Elias has a driving license that allows him to practice this job.

My name is Antoine Haddad, 53 years old married to Jennifeef, we have 3 children; Fouad, George and Katia. Fouad is a 24 years old single man; he was discharged from the military service last year. And now he is working as a hairdresser in a salon. George is 21 years old; he is currently in Damascus doing his military service, and Katia is 14 years old; she is a school student. In 2013, when the situation was dangerous in Aleppo, we moved to our village Al-Jdaideh in Idleb. We stayed there for 6 months, but at that time things started getting even worse in Idleb, so we decided to go back to Aleppo and live in my parents’ house. Their house is in Al-Midan and at that time it was a very dangerous area, In 2015, two missiles hit the building that was in front of my parents’ house and damaged it severely, the house was terribly affected, after a while I rented a house in Baghdad-station area to live in with my family. 

We lived there for almost 4 years. In 2018, I repaired my parents’ house and moved back to it. Before war my job was great, I had a carpentry workshop in Bustan Al-Basha and a house in Al-Shaar area. I opened my own carpentry workshop in 1991 and I started developing it slowly till it became a very successful business as I started receiving orders from Dubai and other countries. Unfortunately, after a couple of months in 2012, the area of my workshop was controlled by the armed groups and I was forced to leave all the wood and the equipment that I had in there. I am now working in managing private projects, but this job is not stable as I sometimes work for 4 months continuously, but other times, I stay without a job for 7 months or even more. I want to open my own carpentry workshop again, because it is my main job and I have a lot of customers that are waiting for me. This project will give me a stable income that can help to provide well for my family. I also want to establish a project for my son who is now in the military service, so when he comes back, he can find something to start his life with.

Goerge khoury and Enkenieh Sarkis are a husband and wife in their mid-thirties with two children; Charles who’s 2, and Stephanie who’s 1 year old. After his father lost his battle against cancer, George’s responsibilities expanded to include his mother and two sisters. Having to provide for one family is hard enough, let alone two. George had a pretty stable life before war, he lived in a rented house in Al-Midan area, and worked for a profit percentage as a Jewelry maker in a workshop near his home. Tides of war corrupted that stability, AL-Midan became one of the most dangerous areas in Aleppo, the family was lucky enough to survive from a fatal shell that hit their house, thus, they had to leave… The in-laws embraced George and his family for about a year in their small home until George could rent a house in the same neighborhood, meanwhile George had to change his career so he started working at gyms, as a coach, then in 2017 in Al-Hayat school as a gym teacher, his wife also worked as a teacher in an Armenian school. The economic crisis obliged George to be in a constant search for any source of income, so about a year and a half ago he signed an agreement with the “Middle East Company” to distribute their cleaning products, the only challenge remained was the vehicle, his friend who has a pickup truck lent it to George temporarily, until three months ago when he decided to sell it before immigrating. This news was troubling for George since renting a pickup truck at this point would cost him nearly 80% of the income that he earns from distributing goods. George says he doesn’t want to quit this job after building a reputation and having so many clients, all he needs is a mini pickup to continue from where he left off but this time more independently.

Being the sole provider in the family is a daily and straining struggle, George Saoud is a 41-year-old man and the head of his family, consisting of his wife Ramia, who’s a stay-home mom of their two teenage boys; Johnny (14 years-old student), and Abed (15 years-old), who sadly has a bone deficiency disease, which requires constant care and the monthly medical treatments.

George works in wall painting, he’s been working in that field for 17 years, but the economic crisis during war made it unprofitable, as it was not considered a necessary need, and the demand for it dropped significantly. It became insufficient for their house rent, medical bills, and the everyday increasing livelihood costs.

In 2014, George took a different job to improve his income; he worked on a mini pickup truck owned by a friend of his, this job sadly ended after just one year, when this friend wanted to sell the vehicle, so once again, George was looking for work, he worked part-time on his neighbors’ taxi in the morning shift, and even with that he was barely able to provide the minimum income for his family.

George feels that if he has his own taxi to work on, full time, he would at least double his income and can take a better care of his family.

Whoever sees Hikmat Homsi’s home can’t help but to wonder how Syrian civilians survived the war… from one single glance you can see the cracks and holes in the walls, and the newly replaced windows with the financial aid of (Nabni wa Nastamer).

The house is owned by Hikmat’s parents originally. Hikmat and his family; his wife Jemma and his teenage children Gerjos and Laura) used to live in it, spending many nights hiding in the internal corridor to feel safer while tanks are pounding outside. When living there became impossible they left like the majority of the residents. Hikmat wasn’t home when the family had to flee, he was in his blacksmith workshop in Khan Al-Asal; another area that soon became civilian free. He had to leave his workshop and relocate to another industrial area called Al-Arkoub which also faced the same destiny of destruction. However, working for many years in welding, and using the metal grinding wheel caused him health problems from the inhaled fumes, doctors prohibited him from practicing this profession ever again. 

Hikmat had to change his career completely to something more suitable for his condition. He found a job as a driver for a hospital, he took it despite the low salary because he had to provide for the family, but since their income didn’t cover their livelihood, he started a part-time job driving his friend’s taxi in exchange of splitting the profits.

During the time that Hikmat worked on the taxi, he got used to it and he made a lot of acquaintances and developed a list of regular customers, and on top of that, it was suitable for his health condition. 

Today, after going back to his house that he left in the years of war, he definitely needs the help and support to repair his damaged house. Owning a taxi will definitely increase his profit and upgrade his lifestyle overall

Milad Nakkoul is a 36-years-old man married to Vima. Milad and Vima chose to start a family at a young age, they have a 4-years-old Antonio and 2-years-old Ibrahim. When the couple started their family, the war had already started. Milad who used to work in a goldsmithing workshop lost his job due to war, then he was offered to guard the health care clinic of “St. Asia Al-Hakim” in Al-jdaideh street in the old city, it was convenient for him since he was about to get married, and the guarding job included residency. Shortly after, the old city became extremely dangerous, the armed groups entered the area and Milad had to leave the clinic immediately. 

Milad took his family and refuged to his in-law’s house, until he could find a solution, after a while he found a similar job, to guard a villa in al-Hamdanieh, so the family moved again to the new place which is a small room in the villa that Milad is looking after. When the work conditions became unbearable, both Milad and Vima were feeling exploited, they found themselves obliged to search for a new place to live.

When Milad found a job in guarding a building in Al-Sabil neighborhood, the couple were already exhausted from constant moving, specially that Vima was pregnant with her third child by that time.

Although the pregnancy news was exciting, but by the time of her birth Milad was informed that his services are no longer required and within a short notice he should evacuate the place.

Milad is now a father of three, with no stable job nor a place to live. And as much as he is grateful for the church’s help in securing an apartment for them temporarily, he is tired of being dependent on others. 

Having his own pick-up truck will make him break this cycle of dependency. And with his hard work and the support of his friends and family he will be able to provide for his family.

I am Nichola Wahbe, a 46 years old man, married to Rima Fattouh. We have one daughter; Jessy, she is 19 years old and one son, Bashir; he is 17 years old, in addition to my mother Bahija who lives with us. I worked in a carpentry shop from 2005-2012 that’s where I learned the craft from the owner of the workshop when the crisis started the owner travelled, after that I worked as an electrician from 2015-2016 on demand, I also worked in distributing water with GOPA and the Maronite church project from 2016-2017. My wife works as a nurse in a doctor clinic. This year the Salesian took my daughter for treatment in Moscow because when she was 5 years old an accident led to the damage of her retina and the nerves of her eye, and she has been suffering since then. our house was damaged throughout the war and “we build, and we continue” charity helped us to repair most damages, the church helps us with cash aid that we really need. One year ago, I rented a carpentry shop from my friend, that I am working in right now, but I need some new machines that will be much more helpful for my job because they will afford time and effort and my work will be more professional , in addition I will be able to receive more work, because with the machines I have now I can’t complete the whole work but I try to do them manual, I really need this project to have good income that will provide my family with the needs.

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.