Abdullah Hatem, a hardworking 31-year-old with an entrepreneurial mindset, started his journey from a young age. He worked alongside his father, who owned a car mechanic workshop, but Abdullah did not envision himself working in the same field. Instead, he developed a keen interest in the art of garment printing. In 2012, he embarked on his journey and worked towards starting his own project and owning a workshop.

Abdullah's determination and hard work allowed him to save every penny he earned, aiming to purchase his very own shop. Initially, he rented a small space, but through persistent efforts, he eventually managed to buy his own workshop. However, the outbreak of war disrupted his business, causing a significant decline in his income. Additionally, he faced the challenge of acquiring the necessary printing equipment.

Abdullah made investments with a friend in an attempt to increase his income, but unfortunately, it did not yield favorable returns. Faced with these setbacks, he found himself in need of a helping hand to provide the push he required. With the assistance of Hope Center and access to essential equipment and materials, he aimed to boost the productivity and quality of his project. He found solace and guidance, which restored hope and determination to overcome all hardships.

Kevork is a 53-year-old skilled mechanic with over 30 years of experience in car maintenance and mechanics. He used to work in his workshop, which he owned since 2005. However, when the war started, his house in Aleppo was damaged by the ongoing shelling. As a result, he was forced to make the difficult decision of selling the equipment he had acquired through years of hard work and moving to Lebanon with his family.

From 2015 onwards, he resided in Lebanon along with his wife and his two sons. In 2018, he returned to Aleppo. Relying on his years of experience, he was determined to support his family.

Despite the challenges he faced, living with his parents, he remained committed to provide for his loved ones. With the assistance of the Hope Center, Kevork was able to obtain all the essential equipment he needed. With his revived business and experience, he was able to rebuild his thriving business.

Bassil Mssedy, a dedicated father in his 50s, worked as a blacksmith for 15 years in the industrial city of Aleppo. Unfortunately, the aftermath of the war made him jobless. The industrial area, once thriving, now lay in ruins.

Bassil and his wife used to reside in a rented house in Al Midan, an area that was heavily bombarded during the war. Tragedy struck one fateful day when a missile destroyed their home. Miraculously, they had left the house just an hour prior, escaping unharmed. Although relieved that their lives were spared, their house suffered significant damage, so they had to move in with their parents in 2014.

Despite their challenging circumstance and unemployment, Bassil managed to secure a position as a church keeper, working part-time. However, his income was barely sufficient to support his family. His wife worked at the airport to help her husband. Unfortunately, she also battled diabetes, adding further strain to their finances due to medical expenses.

Ensuring their basic needs became a daily challenge, as putting food on the table proved to be a constant struggle. They heavily relied on food baskets and cash aids to make ends meet. 

In the depths of despair, Bassil was filled with hope when he received assistance from the Hope Center. With the new taxi he received, he was able to increase his resilience and income, which brought stability to his life.

George Tabbakh is a skilled CNC machinist with 15 years of experience. He began his career in 1997 until 2002 when he decided to start his own business and invest in a metal lathing machine. George has always had a passion for personal development and enjoys immersing himself in new learning experiences. Aware of the potential of 3D printing and mechanical drawing, he attended numerous workshops and courses to enhance his skills with software like SolidWorks.

In 2008, George purchased his own 3D printer. Things were going well until the outbreak of war significantly impacted his business. Faced with financial challenges and a scarcity of jobs, George was forced to sell his equipment. However, in 2015, he resolved to rebuild his career and opened a new shop with the hope of reestablishing his work.

George encountered a multitude of difficulties and challenges. Despite working tirelessly to increase his income, the majority of his earnings were consumed by electricity bills, leaving little to provide for his family of three. His work particularly suffered from the absence of a CNC machine. Whenever a customer requested a small sample, George had to rely on others who owned such machines, often waiting for a month just to receive a sample due to the machine's scarcity in the city.

George and his wife made the conscious decision to stay in Aleppo, despite numerous opportunities to relocate. His wife also contributes to the family's income, supporting her husband through these challenging times. While they have hopes for better prospects in Syria, they are concerned about the low salaries and inflation.

With the support of hope centers, George finally obtained the necessary equipment for his job. The availability of the CNC machine has been a game-changer for his business, allowing him to produce samples quickly and efficiently. George remains dedicated to his craft, determined to make the most of this newfound opportunity to improve his financial situation and provide for his family.

Vahe Tashjian is a 56-year-old mechanic with 23 years of experience. In his younger years, he worked in Kuwait, but he later moved to Aleppo, where he found employment in various companies. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of war, the companies closed down, leaving him jobless. 

Vahe has always dreamt of owning his own workshop, but his previous attempts were unsuccessful due to the need for financial resources, in 2022, he briefly went to Dubai but got very ill. In less than a year, Vahe returned to Aleppo with great hopes and determination to establish his livelihood. Given his extensive experience, he no longer wanted to work as an employee. 

Luckily, through a friend, he managed to secure a temporary workshop without having to pay rent. As Vahe took his first steps in this new workspace, the recent earthquake impacting the already struggling job market and resulted in a severe decline in customers. This situation left him with no choice but to take matters into his own hands. In order to cut costs, he had to let go of his workers and do the hard physical work himself, which put strain on his health.

 After receiving approval for his project, Vahe felt a sense of relief. He could now bring back his dedicated workers and once again immerse himself in the job he loved. No longer needing to rely on borrowed equipment from others, Vahe was finally able to invest in his own tools and resources. He could provide for his family and generate a more substantial income.

Aziz is a determined young man, recently married to Rasha and waiting for their first born child.

He worked as a driver since 2009 and continued working in this job during his ten-years military service in Damascus, Rasha works as a nurse in a hospital and they live in a modest rented house. 

During his service aziz was injured in the leg then he was discharged and he started looking for a job to secure his life and future. His parents decided to travel and leave the country but Aziz decided to stay and he started looking for a job to secure his life; he started working night shifts at a beverage shop in a local neighborhood but the salary was low and the job included many troubles so he kept his faith and determined to search for a solution to enhance his situation. 

After getting married, Aziz responsibilities got bigger and he found the micro program as the best opportunity to get back to his original career as a driver, with the support he got the taxi and he can now improve his income and provide a good life for his wife and awaited child. 

Antoine had a good life before the war working as a hairdresser with great skill and many customers, in 2013 he was called for military service and had to serve for nine long years in Aleppo's suburbs which affected his health greatly as he was subject to many injuries from explosions.

Antoine suffered from a neurological condition that caused trembling in his hands and he no longer was able to continue in his original career of hairstyling, even grabbing the scissors became the most difficult task for him.

However, he didn't surrender and was determined to find a way to secure his livelihood especially that he is the breadwinner of the household that he shares with his parents and he looks after them; the family had to sell their house in Midan area after the brother was called to service so they can afford the increasing livelihood expenses.

He started working in a blacksmithing workshop but the income was insufficient and it demanded a lot of physical effort. With the support of the Micro Projects program, Antoine got a taxi that would help him make a better living and at the same time it is the most suitable job for his health condition, hopefully it will be the start of a better days to come for him and his loved ones. 

Haytham's journey in the world of tailoring began in 1988, Aleppo, During the war Haytham faced a great loss when his workshop in Shekh Maksoud was completely destroyed and all of his sewing machines and tools were stolen. He used to work alongside his brother for a short period of time, but circumstances led them to separate and focus on their individual projects. Haytham received his share of the profits, which he had planned for his own project, but instead, his wife got very sick so he had to use the money for her surgery. Unfortunately, destiny had a cruel twist in store for him as his beloved wife passed away after a heart surgery in 2014, leaving him devastated and alone.

In Haytham's time of despair, a friend suggested that he rent a workshop. Thankfully, the owners were understanding and charged him a minimal amount of rent, which was a relief considering the financial burden Haytham was already facing. However, there were additional expenses that Haytham had to bear, especially the high monthly private electricity bills. Most of his hard-earned income seemed to disappear into these bills, leaving him with little income to support himself.

Recently, Haytham received devastating news that the owners of the workshop were planning to sell the workshop, without even considering the impact it would have on him and on his son George. Determined not to let this happen, Haytham made the decision to upgrade the workshop in an attempt to prevent the owners from selling it. He planned to replace the outdated sewing machines with new ones that consumed only less electricity. This upgrade would not only modernize his workshop but also significantly reduce the electricity consumption.

With over 35 years of experience, Haytham has mastered the art of creating a wide variety of cotton-wear clothing, to both men and women, including pajamas and robes. As for his personal life, he and his son George live in a rented house. However, Haytham strives to provide the best life possible for his son and wishes to ensure a stable and successful future for him. Haytham's determination and drive are truly admirable. Growing up as an orphan, he experienced hardships at a very young age; however, his determination and passion for his craft have always been the driving forces in his life. Today, with the new machines and support from the Hope Center that Haytham has received, he has overcome challenges and secured a better future for himself and his beloved son, George.

Antoine is 28 years old, married and a father of a 1 year old lovely boy, he has served in the military for almost the last ten years of his life which has robbed him of any opportunity to pursue a career and build a future for his family.

with no experience and a very harsh economic situation of the country, Antoine put a lot of thinking of his next step in life, he looked for any job that would help him provide a decent life for his wife and newborn son, he started working in a soap factory but the salary is very low and not sufficient to make ends meet. 

The earthquake had a huge impact on this family, they lived in fear and were affected by the damages, the church helped them and continues to deliver a small monthly aid, unfortunately the situation is deteriorating with the inflation and the increasing living costs. 

Antoine found hope in the Micro Projects program when he applied for a taxi as it doesn't require a former experience and at the same time he can work long hours and make a better income to improve the livelihood of his loved ones. 

Salem Kadah, a 40-year-old tailor, chose to follow in his father's footsteps and become a tailor himself. Before the war, he worked alongside his father. However, after his father passed away in 2003, Salem forged his own path and began working in jeans production, distributing products to high-end brands. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of war, his business was disrupted, which forced him to look for alternative sources of income.

In 2016-2017, Salem attempted to revive jeans production but faced significant challenges due to low-profit margins. Consequently, he shifted his focus to tailoring and repairing clothes, utilizing his father's shop. Unfortunately, outdated sewing machines consumed substantial amounts of electricity, the cost of electricity bills was eating into his already modest income.

Despite the difficult circumstances during the war when work opportunities were scarce, Salem always found a way to make ends meet and worked tirelessly; however, minimal income broke his thrive.

Today, with the support he received and his unwavering dedication, Salem now feels confident that his hardships will no longer go to waste on excessive bills. His wife also works and supports him, while together, they provide for their family. Salem seeks to upgrade his workshop, aiming to increase his income by expanding production rather than solely relying on clothes repair.

Upgrading his machinery will undoubtedly lower electricity consumption and save time and effort. Today with the support of Hope Center Salem's 20 years of experience and hard work have not been in vain. With renewed hope, he aspires to resume his job and provide good living for his family.

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.

Majd, a pharmacist, embarked on her journey in 2000 when she graduated from the faculty of pharmacy. She diligently completed her rural service in 2003 as per Syrian laws. Alongside her pharmacy, she ventured into medicine marketing in rural Homs until 2010. However, in 2011, the onset of war forced her to relocate her activities to the city of Homs.

Majd is married to Toni, a doctor, and they are parents to three children. Together, they strive to provide their family with a decent living.

In 2017, she made a brave move, moving her pharmacy to Al-Hamidia neighborhood. Here, she faced numerous challenges, particularly the scarcity of medications and the skyrocketing prices, which took a toll on her small business as she struggled to maintain the sustainability.

She sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program to strengthen her pharmacy and stock it with essential medications. With the support, her pharmacy thrived, offering vital medications to her community, and ensuring a better future for her family.

Ghattas, a hardworking farmer from Qattinah village, faces the challenge of plowing costs for his olive land. With a loving family, including his wife Mariana and a baby girl Lamitta, they all reside with his parents and sisters. To provide extra support for his family, he works at a factory.

However, the financial burden of plowing expenses became overwhelming. Renting a tractor was increasingly costly, especially as the land required plowing four times a year, possibly more. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Ghattas applied to the Micro Projects Program.

His application was for a mini-cultivator, which would help him save on plowing and spraying costs. Additionally, he sought assistance for a trailer and fertilizers tank. With this support, he could secure his family's financial stability and ensure the prosperity of their olive land.

Ammar, from Qattinah village, is the sole provider for his wife and their five-year old son. Once a taxi driver, he embarked on a journey that led to the loss of everything he had worked for when his attempt to travel abroad turned out to be a fraudulent scheme. Determined to provide for his small family, Ammar and his wife embarked on a new venture.

A glimmer of hope emerged when his wife learned about the potential of producing organic compost. They delved into this idea with the guidance of an experienced mentor in the field. Being from an agricultural area, he recognized the potential in vermicompost, a form of organic fertilizer produced through earthworm farming.

With unwavering determination, Ammar set his sights on creating a sustainable source of income for his family. He designed a project that revolved around two key aspects, producing high-quality compost and breeding earthworms. The vermicasts produced by these earthworms were rich in vital nutrients, making them ideal fertilizers that improved soil quality.

To bring his vision to life, Ammar needed specific resources such as tanks, earthworms, concrete tank construction, water tanks, an electric generator, water hoses, and a weighing scale. However, his financial situation posed a significant obstacle.

In his quest to overcome these challenges, he applied to the Micro Projects Program, with the provided support, Ammar obtained the necessary resources to launch his vermicompost project. As the earthworms multiplied and the project expanded, his dream transformed into a flourishing business, providing a better future for his family.

In 1997, Georgette honed her sewing skills at a reputable sewing workshop, but her dreams were temporarily put on hold when she married Hosn in 1999. Life took a challenging turn during the war, as her husband's work in stone cladding was negatively affected.

In 2013, they relocated to a village near Homs, hoping for better prospects. Georgette found work in a sewing workshop. When the workshop moved to Homs in 2014, they moved back and she became a supervisor, but the workshop closed its doors in 2016.

Despite challenges, Georgette didn’t give up on her passion, repairing clothes at home with an old machine. Her dream of a small business became stronger and she aspired to assist her husband in providing a better life.

A positive turning point came when she applied to the Micro Projects Program. Her request for sewing machines and a solar power system was granted. With renewed hope, she could now work with dignity and generate a stable income, contributing to a brighter future for both her and Hosn. 

Sara's life took a challenging turn when her father passed away, leaving her, her mother, and her two brothers to navigate life's hardships alone. With one brother serving in mandatory military service and the other seeking opportunities abroad, she felt a deep responsibility to contribute to her family's well-being.

Despite her determination, working at various stores didn't provide the income needed to support her loved ones. In 2022, Sara saw a ray of hope when she attended a specialized nail care training under the guidance of a skilled nail care specialist. She practiced her newfound skills at home, using her trainer's kit as she couldn't afford her own.

Her dream was to start her micro-project, allowing her to provide for her family during these tough times. Her application to the Micro Projects Program was approved, and now she has her own kit, ready to offer her services and secure a brighter future for her family and all her effort and hard work will shine as she embarks on this new journey. 

Samer, a third-year civil engineering student, is an inspiring young man with a remarkable journey. Three years ago, he embarked on a path as a photographer, starting with humble beginnings. His journey began at the iconic Um Al-Zennar church in Homs, where he worked as a journalist for the church's Facebook page, armed only with a mobile phone to capture the moments.

His dedication led him to a photography training course, refining his skills. He soon found himself working as an assistant photographer for Suboro TV, a remarkable opportunity that further honed his craft.

Determined to make his own path, Samer resorted to social media to start his small photography business, initially by renting cameras to fulfill his customers requirements. 

His family, unable to afford a camera, relied on his father, a nurse at a medical laboratory, as the sole provider. Samer's dream was to ease the burden on his aging father, who supported his mother and sister.

His work encompassed a wide range of services, from photography in various domains to product and food marketing, alongside his role at Suboro TV. His goal was to have his own camera and equipment, transforming his passion into a sustainable livelihood.

In pursuit of this dream, Samer applied to the Micro Projects Program for support, with the assistance, he now possesses his own camera, enabling him to contribute significantly to his family's well-being. Samer's hard work has turned his passion into a source of hope and support for his loved ones. 

Sanaa, a retired French language teacher, found herself facing the harsh realities of life after her husband's unfortunate passing due to the cruel war that had affected the country. Living with her son and two daughters, they endured the devastating loss of their car in 2012 and further destruction when their house was hit by another shell in 2017, severely impacting her cherished crafts and souvenir shop.

After her husband's tragic death in 2018, she courageously reopened her shop, eager to rebuild their lives. Recognizing her strength and potential, she applied to the Micro Projects Program for assistance. With the support she received, Sanaa invested in a battery to enhance her handmade pieces and secured essential raw materials for crafting candles and souvenirs.

Through hardship and loss, Sanaa's resilience prevailed. With the Micro Projects Program's help, she rebuilt her shop, proving that determination can conquer adversity.

Matile's life has been a journey of hard work and sacrifice. Divorced five years ago and tragically losing her older son in an accident, she found herself the sole provider for her elderly mother and her son George. 
With a background as a seamstress since 1989, she decided to take control of her destiny in 2022. Tired of low wages and exhausting work, she rented a small space and established her own workshop.

Her workshop, equipped with only one old sewing machine, symbolized her determination to build a better life. Her dream was to expand her business, offering not just sewing but also designing and clothing repairs. This was her path to improved productivity.

Hope came in the form of the Micro Projects Program. Despite the hardships she had endured, Matile saw a ray of hope through this program, a chance to turn her dreams into reality and provide a better living for her family. 

Nekoula and Samar, the parents of twins, faced adversity when the war in Homs city left them with nothing. They made a fresh start in Fairouza village, where Nekoula, once a carpenter, had to change his profession due to a health condition in 2016. Together, they opened a mini-market to support their family.

Their mini-market, filled with various goods, faced a constant struggle due to unreliable electricity, forcing them to rely on costly generators to power their two refrigerators for dairy, juice, and ice cream. That's when Nekoula learned about the Micro Projects Program.

With hope in his heart, he applied for a sustainable solution, a solar power system. This innovative change not only secured their family's livelihood but also saved them from the financial burden of fuel costs. The solar energy would now power their mini-market, a beacon of hope in the face of hardships.

Ahlam, an employee at the University of Homs, and her retired architect husband faced financial challenges while raising their two children. 

Seven years ago, they took a leap of faith and established their own small shop, selling what is left from Ahlam's jewelry and delving into handicrafts. The neighborhood embraced their creativity, and their project thrived. Utilizing his architectural skills, her husband began crafting unique designs for their shop.

However, in recent years, rising prices threatened their shop, their lifeline. In their time of need, Ahlam turned to the Micro Projects Program for support. This crucial assistance breathed new life into their shop, preventing its closure and allowing this passionate family to continue their journey in handicrafts and provide good living for their loved ones. 

Bahjat, a skillful car repair mechanician with over 15 years of experience, honed his skills in the workshops of Homs and Lebanon. His journey began in Rableh village, where he first delved into the world of car repair. After four years in Lebanon, he returned to Rableh but later moved to Fairouza village in 2022. There, he rented a house, got engaged driven by his dreams of starting a family with the woman he loved.

Despite his wealth of expertise, Bahjat faced a significant obstacle, the lack of resources to establish his own workshop. 

Determined not to let this setback hinder his dreams, he applied for the Micro Projects Program, seeking the opportunity to turn his passion and experience into a thriving business. With the program's support, he managed to start his workshop, his way to build a better life for his loved ones.

From his modest beginnings, Wissam's journey reflected resilience and determination. His path to mastering his profession began at an aluminum workshop in 2007. However, his dreams were interrupted by an 8-year-long mandatory military service. Despite the setbacks, he persevered, driven by his role as a husband and father of two young children.

In 2015, the life of this family took an unexpected turn when displacement forced them to leave their village, settling in a rented house in Homs city. Wissam's longed to provide stability for his family intensifie, the opportunity arrived in 2019, as he seized the chance to rent a small shop and establish his aluminum workshop. The initial hurdles were tiring; starting with basic tools and dealing with poor electricity supply.

The Micro Projects Program was a turning point. Recognizing the potential, he applied and secured crucial assistance. With the program's support, he acquired necessary equipment and an electric generator. This boost pushed his workshop forward, enabling him to offer a better life for his lovely family.

"We were displaced from our village in Homs to Damascus countryside, lost our house and work, and had to start from zero in a different place and difficult condition"

This is how Elias summed up his story in the past years of war. 

Elias was living with his wife and kids in a small village called Alqraiteen in the countryside of Damascus, he was working as a goldsmith doing all the stages of gold manufacturing in addition to working as a gold seller.

They weren’t living in luxury, but they managed to live decently, that was blown away with the first years of the crisis as the village was surrounded by the armed gangs which made Elias lose his workshop and the gold pieces he owned. Moreover, during the incidents then they were displaced to Jaramana town in the countryside of Damascus.

 Elias was determined to take care for his family so he started to work at a gold workshop not minding being an employee after all those years of experience because his main concern was providing his family the basic living demands.

His wife also started to work too in order to support her husband within the difficult circumstances they were facing but the increasing costs of living made it very hard for Elias and his wife to cope and they had to look for an alternative solution to improve their living.

With the help of the Micro-project program, Elias was funded with all the tools and equipment to have a gold manufacturing workshop where he could have his own space to increase his work and have better income hoping that this project will be a turning point for Elias and his family.

Fady has always believed that if he wanted to do something, he would find a way no matter how hard the circumstances were.

He is 32, married, and has two little daughters Mira and Mila. He lives beside his parents and younger brother in Al-Dwallaa neighborhood, his parents are retired and his brother is still at university which made Fady responsible for their living.

Fady graduated from Communications High School in 2008 then he got employed at the Ministry of Oil as a guard and at the same time he registered for the first year of Law college seeking to become a lawyer.

He was so determined to work and study at the same time so he could afford the living expenses for his family and continue his education.

Unfortunately, at the very beginning of the Syrian crisis, Fady was called for military service until 2019. These nine years that were taken from his life didn’t prevent him from achieving his goals so after his discharge he returned to his previous work as a guard, had a part-time job as a warehouse guard, and continued his education until he graduated as a lawyer.

Fady wanted to change his career and improve his conditions but he was unable to quit his job despite the low income because he was the breadwinner of the two families and being jobless will affect his situation.

However, he never made excuses for his poor situation and was always trying for the best so as soon as he heard about the micro-project program in Damascus, he applied for the taxi project which he considered a direct source of income that will help in improving his living condition and be a supported project for any future success in his life.

Being a driver is the only job that Maher has ever known, at the beginning of his twenties, he traveled to Lebanon and started working as a private driver at Al-Fursan organization for Disabled People, his income was good enough to provide him with a decent living, and save some for his future.

However, as a result of the crisis in Syria, his mother and siblings fled to live with him in Lebanon depending on him for all their expenses which majorly affected Maher’s financial situation.

In 2018, the situation in Lebanon started to deteriorate and Maher lost his work with the association and became unable to drive in Lebanon.

Maher decided after all those years to return to Syria where he rented a small house in Altabbaleh area in Damascus and started to work as a taxi driver hoping to restore his previous life.

During that period, his brothers traveled to Sweden and his mother returned to live with him as she was diagnosed with cancer and needed to be under intensive care and costly treatment which was out of Maher’s ability to handle.

With the help of Hope Center, this self-made man was supported to have his own taxi which will help him restore his independence in work and provide him with a sustainable source of income to improve his living condition. 

Wissam had always been a hard worker. It was something that had been ingrained in him since childhood. His parents had both passed away when he was young, leaving him to fend for himself. But that didn't stop him from succeeding in life. After years of working as a sewing apprentice, he had eventually become a work partner in a small sewing workshop.

Things were going well for Wissam and his family until tragedy struck. In 2001, his partner passed away, leaving everything behind to his family. Wissam was left with nothing, not even a part of ownership in the workshop. He had to start from scratch again.

He worked in multiple workshops thereafter, but the salary was never enough to meet the family's needs. It all came to a head when his son was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism. The medical care and medication that his son needed were expensive, and Wissam had to sell the sewing machines he owned just to make ends meet.

It was a difficult time for Wissam and his family. But they never lost hope. Thankfully, the tide turned when he got funded by a micro-project in Damascus, he was finally able to buy all the tools he needed to open his own workshop.

It was a dream come true for Wissam. he had a small house, but it was enough to start a new business and improve his standard of living. With his own workshop, Wissam could now afford to pay for his son's medical care and medication. He felt grateful for the support that he received, and he promised to do his best to make his own business thrive.

Wissam's story was a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. He had gone through tough times, but he never gave up hope. And in the end, things had turned out for the better. He could finally provide for his family and help his son. 

Fouad Sioufy is 26 years old and lives with his mother and brother in a rented flat in Jaramana, his mother is an employee at Alzahrawi Hospital and her salary is very low and his brother is still in the first year of Business Management college.

Since his childhood, Fouad and his siblings used to see their parents fighting, and soon after his father left the house and ignored all responsibilities toward his family and kids which forced Fouad to be the man of the house since his teenage.

When he became 19, Fouad worked in a restaurant for two years then decided to learn about Mobile maintenance, and at the same time he started studying at the psychology college, Fouad soon became very good and had his own customers.

During his study period, he kept working in mobile phone maintenance with a friend of his in Sednaya and was trying his best to secure the house demands; pay the house rent, and help his siblings to continue their education but unfortunately, in 2018 he was called for military service and stayed in service until 2021.

After his discharge, Fouad started working with his friend at a mobile maintenance shop for a 50% percentage of profits, which was not enough to afford the increasing costs of living.

Fouad felt that it was time to be independent in his job and get his own income so he came to the micro-project program in Damascus asking for support.

With the help of Hope-center, Fouad was supported with all the tools and equipment needed to write a new page in his life and fill it with achievements and success, hoping that this project will help in securing this determined man with a brighter future.

At the age of 67, Antoun was still fighting against life difficulties as he was forced to work day and night so he could put food on the table at the end of the day.

For most of his life Antoun worked as a driver on different vehicles and gained a lot of experience, he was determined on providing his family with good living and tried his best to secure their future.

Unfortunately, such an aim was not available in his condition as his son, George, has undergone seven bowel operations since his birth and he is unable to do hard work while his other son Joseph was discharged from military service after being hit on the head during an armed conflict at the service period. Joseph was diagnosed as being under psychological trauma and in need of costly and continuous treatment which Antoun couldn't afford.

On the other hand, his wife’s health has also deteriorated and became in need of constant medication.

Antoun found himself after all those years of work in difficult financial conditions and unable to afford the treatment costs of his son and wife or even afford the basic needs for his family.

He was in desperate need of support; so with great faith in his heart, Antoun visited the micro-project center in Damascus and applied for the taxi project.

indeed, his request was approved as he was funded to have his own taxi hoping that this project will be the chance to enhance Antoun’s life and help in improving his family’s conditions.

For more than 30 years, Farhan Alkhalil was driving around streets day and night, trying to cope with changing circumstances and provide his kids and wife with the best living conditions.

Such endeavors might be easy for many, but surviving was the main issue that all people sought in Syria during the past few years.

Farhan Alkhalil is 56 years old; he was married to Georgina Harrouq but they got separated six years ago. He has two sons Jerios born in 1999 and Fadi born in 2003. Farhan has been working as a taxi driver since 1992, taking 30% of the profit from his work and the rest going to the taxi owner, making it difficult during the past years and the increasing costs of living to make improvements or save any money as his income was barely enough for daily food.

However, what made things worse for Farhan was that his son Jerios was called for military service in 2018 and he is now serving at the Syrian-Iraqi borders under difficult conditions while his other son Fadi suffers from Bone growth shortening which formed a huge obstacle in his life and made him in constant need of medication so he started to work as a waiter to support himself and help his father with the house expenses.

Farhan and his sons were living in a humid, dark flat that lacks the most basic necessities of life but that didn’t prevent him from waking up every morning to start a new day full of faith that good things are coming.

After supporting Farhan with the Taxi he restored his determination to work because he knows now that he is independent and no one will share with him his hard work, which enables him from increasing his efforts and making improvements in his life.

Subhi grew up in the small village of Elmismyah, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of green. As a young man, he worked hard in his construction business and owned several tools to help him with his trade. Life was good, and Subhi was proud of all that he had accomplished.

But in 2013, everything changed. The armed groups entered the area and took everything that Subhi had worked so hard for. Overnight, he found himself without a business and without any tools to help him rebuild.

Things got even worse when shells started raining down on Elmismyah. Subhi, his wife, and their daughter who suffered from autism barely escaped with their lives. With their home destroyed, they were forced to move to Damascus and rent a small house there.

Subhi knew that he had to find a way to provide for his family. He started working as a delivery man, delivering goods around the city to make extra money. His wife took a job caring for people with special needs but eventually had to quit so that she could devote all of her time and energy to their daughter because they couldn’t afford the special care she needs.

caring for someone with autism is expensive, and with no source of income, Subhi and his wife struggled to make a living. They sold all the gold they owned and any belongings they had left back home just to afford the best care possible for their daughter.

It was a tough time for the family, but Subhi refused to give up. He was determined to give his daughter the best possible life, even if it meant working day and night to do so.

After applying, Subhi received a pickup truck from the micro project in Damascus. With this truck, he was able to start his own delivery business, working for himself and making better money than before. He is finally able to give his family the life they deserved, and his daughter to receive the special care she needed.

Subhi never forgot the struggles he went through, but he was grateful for all of the lessons he had learned. He continued to work hard, taking nothing for granted and always striving to do his best.

Mousa grew up in a small, loving family in a town that was known for its olive plantations. His father works as a government employee, his mother is a dedicated housewife, and his sister is attending college. Although they were not wealthy, they lived a comfortable life, full of laughter and love.

After completing his education in Dental Prosthetics, Mousa had to face the harsh reality of finding a job. With no opportunities in his hometown, he decided to move to Damascus in search of better prospects.

Arriving in Damascus, Mousa rented a small room that had nothing more than a mattress to sleep on. Determined to build his career, he worked in multiple Dental Prosthesis laboratories to gain as much experience as possible. While the work was hard and long, Mousa knew that it was a stepping stone to his future success.

Three years passed by, and Mousa was still living in the same room. However, fate had other plans for him. He came across micro project that offered him all the necessary tools to open his own laboratory. With the support of the project and his hard work, Mousa finally opened his own business.

It was not only a dream come true but also a big relief for his family. Their olive land was lost in a big fire, which had been the primary source of their livelihood. Mousa's laboratory would give his family the financial support they need to get back on their feet.

Mousa's life is changing for the better, and he is grateful for all the hard work and struggles he had faced. But, he never forgot his roots and always strived to help others in need, just as he had been helped.

George had always been a hard-working man who lived his life with unwavering grit and determination. He spent his entire career working as a government employee, saving every penny he earned to offer a better life to his family. He lives with his parents, wife, and daughter in small two rooms that he shared with his divorced sister, whom he supported financially.

In 2010, George decided to take a leap of faith and purchased a taxi. He had taken a loan and borrowed money from relatives to make the purchase possible. Over the years, the taxi became his main source of income, a livelihood that allowed him to provide for his family, pay off the loans, and save for a better future.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans for George. In 2016, while working on his taxi, he was kidnapped and held captive for ten days. His family had to pay a ransom to secure his release, but unfortunately, they lost the taxi in the process. George was heartbroken, but he refused to give up. Instead, he worked harder than ever before, determined to recover from the loss he suffered.

He eventually got back on his feet with the help of micro-projects in Damascus. With the funding, he was able to purchase another taxi, so he could provide a better living for his family.

Retired from his government job, George found solace in his work as a taxi driver; he witnessed the ups and downs of life and came out of it all with a newfound resilience. His life had been quite the journey, but George is grateful for everything he had overcome.

Jamila had always been a hardworking woman. For over two decades, she and her husband had been working tirelessly in the sewing industry. They had started out working for Jamila's sister who owned her own sewing workshop. It was there that Jamila and her husband developed their skills and learned everything they needed to know about the business.

In 2017, after working for so long and having learned everything, they decided that it was time to open their own workshop. They wanted to be able to have all the profits to themselves and not have to share it with anyone else. So, they borrowed some machines from Jamila's sister and started their business.

However, their dream of owning their own workshop soon came to a halt. The machines they had borrowed from Jamila's sister only worked on electricity, and the power supply in their area was very unreliable. They could barely work a few hours each day because the electricity was only on for a short amount of time.

Things were looking bleak for Jamila’s business. They were barely making ends meet and were on the verge of closing down. That was until they stumbled upon a new way to power their machines.

One day, Jamila applied for a grant that would allow them to purchase the batteries and machines that worked on them, with the help of the micro project in Damascus she was funded with the equipment she needed to get back to business.

Thanks to this grant, Jamila and her husband were able to get their business back on track. Now they are able to work for longer hours and were no longer limited by the unreliable power supply. Hopefully, their business will thrive again, and they will be able to afford a better life for themselves.

Jamila had learned that sometimes all it takes is a little bit of innovation and hard work to overcome even the toughest of obstacles.

George had shouldered a lot of responsibilities at a young age. He lives with his disabled father, mother, his wife, and her sister, all under one roof. His wife works as a teacher in a public school while her sister works at a wax factory for people with special needs, but their combined income barely makes ends meet.

George had finished high school and went straight to the army, where he served for seven long years. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when he lost his brother in a battle, leading to his discharge. Since then, he became the sole breadwinner for his family.

He started working in a local hotel, but the salary was not enough to support everyone. So, he took a job as an employee in a construction company that paid a little better. George worked hard and long hours to provide for his family, but he still struggled to make a better living.

One day, George heard about the micro-project in Damascus where he could get funding to start his own delivery business. He jumped at the opportunity and applied with his idea of a pick-up truck delivery service and utilized his contacts from the construction company to make deliveries for them. He was approved for the project and received the funding.

Now, George can provide for his family without worrying about making ends meet. Although he still works long hours, he knows that all his effort is worthwhile in the end. George's family is proud of his hard work, determination, and dedication. he has shown that with perseverance and strength of will, anyone can achieve their dreams, despite their challenges and circumstances.