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.

Mounir, a hardworking farmer from the village of Al-Maamoura, carries the weight of responsibility on his shoulders as the head of a family of seven. As a loving husband and father to five children, he is determined to provide for his family and secure a brighter future for them.

On his vast land, adorned with almond and olive trees, he toils day in and day out to yield a bountiful harvest. However, his beloved land has a perpetual need for plowing to maintain its fertility and ensure optimal crop production. Though he owns a reliable tractor, a vital tool for his farming endeavors, Mounir lacks a crucial component: a moldboard.

The absence of this essential attachment had forced him to resort to renting one whenever he needed to plow his land. These rental expenses gradually drained his limited financial resources, leaving him unable to invest in his family's well-being and the improvement of his farmland. The necessity of owning a moldboard to alleviate his financial burden and enhance his land's productivity, encouraged Mounir to seek assistance from the Micro Projects Program.

With hope, he submitted an application to the program, detailing his challenge and emphasizing the transformative impact a moldboard could have on his farming operations. 

In a heartwarming turn of events, Mounir's application was approved, and he was provided with the aid necessary to purchase the coveted moldboard. 

Equipped with his new moldboard, he set out to plow his land with renewed determination. This task became more efficient and cost-effective, as his tractor glided smoothly across the land, preparing the soil for an abundant harvest. His almond and olive trees will thrive under his nurturing care, yielding healthier crops that will bring joy and prosperity to his family.

Rami, a husband and father of two, has always strived to provide for his small family. Since 2009, he has been running a stationery store, which serves as his sole source of livelihood. However, with the desire to improve their quality of life, he knew he needed additional support.

His wife, Rania, selflessly took on a government job to contribute to the family's income. Despite their combined efforts, they realized that their small store needed some essential upgrades to boost profitability. Rami decided to apply for the Micro Projects Program, hoping to receive the assistance his project required.

Situated in a favorable location, his stationery store had great potential. However, he realized the need for more stationery supplies to cater to the demands of his customers. Additionally, a colored printer was crucial to expand the services offered at his store.

With the support of the Micro Projects Program, Rami's dream started to take shape. The program provided him with the necessary resources, including additional stationery supplies, a brand-new colored printer, and ink bottles to enhance the printing services. These upgrades allowed Rami to serve his customers better, attracting more clints and increasing his profits gradually.

The improved profitability from the upgraded store would bring about positive changes in his future. He would be able to provide his family with a better standard of living, ensuring that his children's needs are met. The colored printer and enhanced services would attract more customers, expanding Rami's customer base. 

Rami's hard work, coupled with the support of the Micro Projects Program, would transform his small stationery store into a thriving business in the coming years. The additional income propelled by the upgrades would make a significant difference in his family's life, providing them with a brighter and more prosperous future. 

Maurice, a devoted family man, faced many challenges throughout his life. As the sole breadwinner for his wife and three children, he took great pride in his work as a floor tiler since 1992. However, his journey was fraught with hardship.

This family had experienced the tumultuous realities of war. In 2012, Maurice and his family were displaced from their home in the Al-Hamidia neighborhood due to the ongoing battles in their city of Homs. They sought safety in Mashta Al-Helou village for four long months. Later, they were able to return to Homs city, but their house in Al-Hamidia had been completely stolen and ravaged by the conflict. During the conflict, Maurice had to work in goods distributing in order to provide for his family since he had stopped working in his profession due to the dangerous situation.

Determined to rebuild their lives, he decided to seek assistance from the Micro Projects Program. He believed that with a little support, he could enhance his work and provide a better future for his family. His application focused on acquiring an electric generator, a vital tool for his tiling work, and obtaining the necessary equipment to restore his worn-out tools.

After careful consideration, his application was approved, and he received the needed support. With the new electric generator and renovated equipment, his productivity soared. Maurice was able to meet his clients' expectations and deliver exceptional results. As a result, his income substantially improved, providing his family with a more stable and comfortable life.

Maher, a hardworking farmer from Maskanah village, faced challenges in providing for his family, just like many Syrians after the war. With his wife and four children relying solely on farming for their livelihood, every crop was crucial for their survival. Together, they worked tirelessly on their land, which was planted with grape, almond, and olive trees.

One portion of their land, containing the grapevines, was jointly owned by him and his brother. To ensure proper irrigation, they had installed a water pump in a well located on that part of the land. Unfortunately, after the cruel war, the whole country experienced frequent power outages. Maher and his brother struggled to operate the water pump for sufficient hours to adequately water their crops.

In search of a solution, they turned to an electric generator as an alternative power source. However, acquiring fuel for the generator proved to be an immense challenge. Fuel prices soared, and a fuel crisis plagued the entire country, making it incredibly difficult to obtain the necessary fuel to sustain their farming operations.

With his dreams of a bountiful harvest at risk, Maher knew he needed support to complete his project and overcome these obstacles. That's when he applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance to obtain a solar power system. This sustainable solution would not only allow him to operate the water pump efficiently but also reduce his dependence on expensive and scarce fuel.

His application was successful, and he received the much-needed support he had hoped for. The Micro Projects Program provided him with a solar power system, empowering him to extract water from the well and irrigate his lands effectively. With the sun's energy fueling their irrigation needs, Maher and his family could focus on tending to their crops without worrying about power outages or the rising cost of fuel.

With reliable access to water, the grapevines flourished. The almond and olive trees, too, thrived under the consistent care provided by the solar-powered irrigation system.

Thanks to the support he received, his yields increased significantly. With improved financial stability, Maher and his family could now envision a brighter future, free from the constant worry of inadequate irrigation and high fuel costs.

Elian's life revolved around his passion for architecture and his commitment to his family. Living with his parents, sister, and brother, he understood the importance of financial stability. As a university student, he had taken a student loan to purchase a laptop, an essential tool for his studies.

One unfortunate day, his laptop encountered a problem, and he took it to a maintenance workshop for repair. However, fate had a different plan for him. The laptop was stolen from the workshop, leaving him devastated. The workshop owner, understanding the impact of the loss, tried to compensate by offering him a second-hand laptop.

With the second-hand laptop, he managed to graduate and secure a job at an interior design and decoration company, specializing in shop drawings. However, as time passed, he realized that the laptop he had was unable to meet the new requirements and techniques of design. Its limited abilities hindered his progress, and he often had to borrow his colleagues' laptops to complete his projects.

Elian dreamed of owning a laptop that would enable him to work from home and generate additional income, ultimately securing a better future for himself and his family. Unfortunately, the cost of a new laptop seemed insurmountable, and he didn't want to burden his family financially.

That's when he discovered the Micro Projects Program. Filled with hope, he applied for assistance, hoping to acquire a laptop that would empower his career. The program recognized Elian's dedication and talent, understanding the value of investing in his future.

With the support of the program, he received a brand-new laptop capable of running the necessary software programs for his work. The burden of borrowing laptops and the limitations of his previous device were finally lifted.

His productivity soared, and his career prospects brightened. With the laptop provided by the Micro Projects Program, he could work efficiently from home, taking on additional projects to increase his income. He embraced the opportunity to establish a solid foundation for his future and bring financial stability to his family.

Grateful for the assistance he received, Elian worked tirelessly to hone his skills, produce outstanding designs, and make a name for himself in the industry. The laptop became a motive for his success, enabling him to pursue his passion and provide a better life for his loved ones.

Ghassan, a dedicated electrician with over 30 years of experience, has faced a lot of challenges throughout his career. Hailing from Homs city, he tirelessly served both the urban area and its surrounding villages. His sole companion in life is his wife, Reema, and together they reside in a rented house located in Fairouza village.

His journey in the electrical field began in 1990, but the eruption of war forced him to halt his work for four years. Determined to rebuild his life, he attempted with the help of a local organization to establish an electrical supplies shop, aspiring to provide for his family. However, his dreams were dashed as the outbreak of the Coronavirus led to the closure of his newly opened shop.

In his pursuit of a better future, he turned to the Micro Projects Program for support. His objective was to renovate and upgrade his existing equipment and basic tools. By acquiring new equipment, Ghassan hoped to enhance his efficiency, allowing him to complete tasks in a shorter time frame compared to the laborious manual work he had grown accustomed to. One particular item that he required was an electric generator, which would ensure his ability to overcome the daily challenges life presented him.

With the assistance of the Micro Projects Program, Ghassan's aspirations became attainable. By providing him with the necessary resources, Ghassan would not only improve his livelihood but also continue to contribute to the growth and development of the area he served.

Through this support, Ghassan's determination and unwavering spirit were given the opportunity to flourish once again. With his renewed equipment and enhanced tools, he was ready to face the future with renewed vigor, fulfilling his responsibilities and creating a brighter path for himself and Reema.

In 2007, Firas turned a part of his house into a grocery shop. As the sole provider for his wife, their four-year-old daughter, two-year-old son, his mother, and sister, he took on the responsibility of supporting and caring for his loved ones.

However, in 2017, as the situation in Syria became increasingly difficult, he decided to embark on a journey to Lebanon, seeking better opportunities for his family's future.

Life in Lebanon brought its own set of challenges, compounded by a financial crisis and the global spread of the Coronavirus in 2020. Faced with adversity and a deep longing for home, he made the difficult decision to return to Fairouza. With hope in his heart, he reopened his shop. What set his shop apart was the special touch of homemade dairy products and fresh vegetables. 

the economic impact of the crisis on small businesses encouraged Firas to seek support from the Micro Projects Program. The program's support allowed him to continue providing for his family and meeting the needs of his customers.

Firas's wife played an integral role in the shop's operation, working alongside him with unwavering dedication. Together, they created a warm and welcoming environment, where customers felt like part of their extended family. 

Today, Firas's shop stands as a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that dreams can be realized with determination and support.

Imad, a married man and a devoted father of three daughters and a son, resides in the village of Al-Maamoura. As a farmer, he toils tirelessly to provide for his family's needs. To supplement his income, he also works at someone else's farm, utilizing his expertise and dedication.

However, Imad's life took a harrowing turn during the brutal war that ravaged his region. One fateful night, he was kidnapped, held captive until a ransom was paid for his release. Though he escaped physical harm, the ordeal left an indelible mark on his spirit.

Imad's main asset for his agricultural activities was his trusty tractor. It served him well, especially during the plowing season, enabling him to cultivate his land efficiently. Unfortunately, its tires had worn out over time, rendering the tractor inoperable.

Driven by his determination to overcome this obstacle, Imad sought a solution to revitalize his farming capabilities. He applied to the Micro Projects Program, hopeful that he could get the necessary support to purchase new tires for his tractor. 

With the support he received, Imad acquired the needed replacement tires for his tractor. The moment he affixed the new tires, a renewed sense of purpose filled his heart. He could once again plow his family's land, cultivating it with utmost care and expertise. Not only would this save him the high costs associated with hiring external help, but it would also ensure a bountiful harvest to sustain his loved ones.

Imad's new agricultural capabilities not only benefited his own family but also strengthened the bond he shared with his brothers. They were partners in the almond farming project, and with the revival of his tractor, they could work together more efficiently, maximizing their collective output.

The tire replacements proved to be a turning point for Imad and his family. Through his unwavering resilience and the assistance of the Micro Projects Program, he reclaimed his role as a diligent farmer, providing for his loved ones and instilling hope for a brighter future.

Issa's life had been full of ups and downs, but he never lost hope. As a dedicated husband and father, he always strove to provide a better life for his family. After completing his military service in 2001, Issa was determined to build a stable future.

In search of better opportunities, he traveled to Lebanon and worked in the restaurant industry for three years. In 2004, he returned to Homs and secured a job at a reputable restaurant. With hard work, he began saving money to fulfill his dream of starting his own project.

In 2008, along with some friends, he successfully opened a mini-market in the Al-Hamidia neighborhood. Their business thrived, and it seemed like their dreams were coming true. However, their world came crashing down when the war broke out in 2011. Displacement became their harsh reality, forcing them to seek a safer place in Fairouza village.

Undeterred by the challenges, Issa refused to let adversity define him. In 2014, he opened a Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Accessories Shop. The shop allowed him to support his growing family. In 2019, Issa married the love of his life, Jina, and together they welcomed their daughter, Mary.

However, fate had a new trial in store for Issa. The COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2021, and his shop suffered immensely due to frequent closures. The crippling inflation further worsened the situation, causing a decline in customers and depleting the shelves of his once-thriving shop. Issa found himself standing at a crossroads, unsure of how to keep his beloved micro project afloat.

In his darkest moment, a ray of hope emerged. He learned about the Micro Projects Program. Fueled by determination, he applied, hoping for a chance to revive his dream.

Finally, Issa received the news he had been eagerly awaiting. His application was approved, and with it came a glimmer of optimism. Through the Micro Projects Program, Issa accessed the necessary support to revive his business. He restocked his shop, adapting to the changing market demands.

With renewed energy and a sense of gratitude, Issa's Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Accessories Shop began to thrive once again. The loyalty of his returning customers, coupled with the support of the program, helped him navigate through the challenging times.

With his family by his side, he remains committed to providing a better future, holding onto the belief that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, hope and perseverance will always prevail.

Born and raised in the humble village of Um-Sharshooh, Ayham was thrust into adulthood prematurely when his father tragically passed away while he was in the sixth grade. With the responsibility of supporting his mother and younger siblings weighing heavily on his young shoulders, he was forced to leave school and seek employment.

Undeterred by his circumstances, he embarked on a journey of exploring various job opportunities. He toiled tirelessly, eager to provide a better life for his family. In 2010, he finally managed to establish his own project—an electric sieve machine—alongside engaging in farming.

However, the outbreak of war in 2013 brought about unimaginable devastation to Ayham's life. Displaced from their village, his family lost everything they had built over the years. Their cherished home was reduced to rubble, and the project Ayham had painstakingly developed, as well as their family farm, were stolen, leaving them with nothing but shattered dreams and profound grief.

Ayham joined the army, serving his mandatory service. He encountered numerous injuries while his family sought refuge in rented houses, frequently moving between many houses within Homs city and its surrounding villages.

In the midst of their relentless struggle, tragedy struck once again when Ayham's beloved mother was diagnosed with cancer. For three arduous years, she fought valiantly against the disease but eventually succumbed to its merciless grip, leaving a void in her children's hearts that could never be filled.

After serving eight long years in the military, Ayham is settling down with his brother and sister in a modest rented apartment in Homs. They are determined to rebuild their lives from the ground up. However, their two other brothers and one sister sought to travel abroad.

In their quest for a brighter future, Ayham turned to the Micro Projects Program, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. With his sights set on a mini pick-up truck, he aspired to provide transportation and distribution services, particularly in reviving their wheat land in the village.

Despite enduring tremendous loss, displacement, and personal sacrifices, he continues to forge ahead, guided by a profound love for his family and an unyielding determination to create a better future. As he embarks on this new chapter, Ayham's story is a reminder that hope can emerge from even the darkest of times and that through resilience and tenacity, one can overcome the most daunting obstacles, inspiring others to do the same.

As a single young man living in Fairouza village, Elias found himself facing numerous challenges. After serving in the army for nine and a half years, he encountered a significant hurdle - the lack of work experience. Determined to support his elderly parents, Elias took on different jobs, such as working on someone else's pick-up truck or laboring on farms, to earn an income.

His father added another layer of concern, as he battled with diabetes and required constant care. The financial strain weighed heavily on Elias, who sought a way to secure a stable income while also providing for his father's medical needs.

Hope was rekindled when he learned about the Micro Projects Program, he eagerly applied, aiming for a project that would grant him independence and improve his family's circumstances. 

The moment Elias received news that his project had been selected for support, he was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. The opportunity he had longed for had finally arrived. With the assistance provided by the Micro Projects Program, Elias could now have his own mini pick-up truck.

Equipped with his vehicle, Elias embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, offering transportation and distributing services. This venture not only provided him with a reliable source of income but also granted him the freedom to control his own destiny. No longer dependent on sporadic employment, Elias could now provide for his parents with a sense of stability and dignity.

When someone has been through terrible trauma and they’re starting a new life from scratch, it’s not easy for them to recover especially if they were living in a post-war period like the case of Yazan Sayegh.

He is 25 and lives with his parents and sister in Kashkoul. Yazan was 18 when the family received the news of his brother’s death during his military service in Aleppo. Such news was devastating for the whole family especially Yazan who had to stay steady for his parents whose health was affected badly as a result.

Yazan found himself at the age of 18, responsible for his family, and had to work in order to afford the living demands. He started to work as a barber and learned about the profession but despite all his hard work, it was hard for him to save any money and establish his own work due to the increasing prices which made him struggle to afford the basic livelihood for his family. Yazan started to think of traveling abroad in order to make a decent career and living but he didn't want to leave his parents alone especially since they lost their first son.

Out of its endeavor to preserve the Christian families in the county, Hope Center supported Yazan in purchasing all the tools and equipment needed to have his own barber shop to provide him with a sustainable source of income to overcome his obstacles and improve his living hoping that this project will help in keeping him in the country beside his beloved family.

Mariam always believed that there is no limit to what she could accomplish despite all the difficulties she had been through

She is 40 years old, divorced, and originally from Tartous but lives alone in a small room in Damascus. Mariam got married at a young age but after seven years she got divorced and returned with her kids to live at her parents' house in Tartous. She didn’t hesitate to continue her education and was enrolled at the trade and economics university and started to work at the same time to afford her living.

Her brother passed away in 2013 leaving her, her parents, and four sisters heartbroken, Things changed a lot after his death as her parents’ psychological condition was affected badly and Maryam had to increase her income to support them.

She decided to move to Damascus in order to find better job opportunities seeking for better income to support herself and her family in Tartous. Mariam tried many jobs but she wasn’t lucky. she was good at trading so she started to work in online marketing because she wasn’t able to afford her own shop but it wasn’t profitable enough to afford a proper living. 

Through the help of Hope-center, Mariam was supported to have her own perfume and cosmetics shop which she considered the life chance that would improve her living conditions and help her to secure a decent life. 

Maram Mahfoud 31, is an independent, hardworking woman, who was always strong enough to stand alone in the face of difficult circumstances.

She lives with her parents in an old room in Bab Sharqi. Her father used to work at a sanitary maintenance workshop but after getting old, his health didn’t allow him to keep working which affected their financial conditions. Despite her young age, Maram decided to start working and support her parents so she enrolled in a make-up course at the church and started to work in this field then in 2017 her friend bought a Laser cutting machine and asked Maram to help him. She quickly learned to work on the machine, trained on its programs, and became excellent at running the work alone. However, her salary was low in comparison with the hard work she was doing so in her spare time she kept working in make-up in order to increase her income and afford the living expenses.

Maram wanted to rely on herself and have her own project because she believed in achieving her goals through determination and perseverance so she applied at the Micro-project office asking for support.

Now, after the fund, Maram is so grateful to have her own laser workshop and started to do marketing to enhance her work full of faith that she will succeed in this project and her living situation will be improved.

Johnny Fallouh is 33 years old, he is newly married and soon to be a father. In 2006, he started his career as a pastry chef and was passionate about this job but in 2011 he was called to join the military service and thought that it would be for two years and then he would go back to continue his normal life and the work he loves.

Unfortunately, his service coincided with the beginning of the war in Syria, it extended to 10 years under difficult conditions and at critical times as he served in Al-Hasaka city which was one of the most severe war locations. 

However, in 2021 Johnny was discharged and went back home, but the postwar period was not easy and he couldn’t return to his old job as a Chef because it was no longer enough to meet the household demands. 

Johnny had no choice but to find another career so he started working as a salesman, he also got married and wanted to establish a family which was difficult especially since his wife got pregnant and they are waiting now for their first baby.

Supporting this newly established family was always one of the Hope-Center goals. Johnny was supported with the mini-van in order to improve his work and income, help preserve his dignity and fulfill his responsibility towards his wife and newborn baby.

With a deep wound in his heart, Jan Samaan was struggling each day to continue his life journey and improve his condition.

Jan was worked as a carpenter since 1990 as he established a carpentry workshop in partnership with his friend specializing in the field of kitchens and bedrooms. Together they worked hard to improve their business.

However, during the war, the carpentry work decreased and their income became not enough for both of them so his friend decided to end the partnership and work on his own which forced Jan to take his machines and equipment and start his own workshop in Dwalaa trying to preserve his career from declining.

During that period, Jan got married to Shereen Deeb and they had their first baby Joseph in 2016.

Soon after his son’s birth, he was diagnosed with abdominal cancer at a critical level making Jan feels as if his world was about to collapse. He started to focus on treating his son which was a difficult period in their life and cost a lot but Jan didn’t hesitate to spend all his savings for that purpose then he sold his workshop machines to handle the high cost of his son’s treatment. Unfortunately, all of those endeavors didn’t save his son and he passed away in 2020 the same year that Jan and his wife had their daughter Marita whose birth played a major role in getting her parents out of their state of grief.

With Marits's birth, Jan decided to travel to Sudan seeking to find better job opportunities to compensate for his losses but he wasn’t that lucky so he went back to Syria working in several workshops trying his best to secure a proper living for his family.

Bypassing all his circumstances, Jan decided to apply to the Micro-project asking for support and that what he gained as he was supported with the carpentry machines and necessary equipment that will enable him of having his own workshop so he could revive his profession and secure a decent living for his family.

“All the incidents we went through during the years of war were no harder than holding my son bleeding and seeing him fighting death to survive”

This is how Samer explained his tragedies during the Syrian war.

Samer Deeb is 49 years old, married to Roula Memary, and has two sons Elias born in 2004 and Gabi born in 2006. He lives with his family and sick mother at a modest flat in Dwalaa area.

Before the crisis, Samer was working as a waiter and then became a hall supervisor in different restaurants in Bab Touma until the year 2020 when his health started to deteriorate and he became unable to stand for long hours so he started to work as a salesperson, driving a pickup car and delivering vegetables and goods to shops and markets.

Samer’s financial condition was very bad, especially after the incident his son Gabi went through, as in the year 2013, Gabi was shot in the head while they were on their way to the village, he was transferred to Tartous Hospital where he remained under operations for six fateful hours until the surgeons were able to rescue him.

Although Gabi survived, he suffered many psychological effects and asthma, which took him many years to recover and continue his study. 

On the other hand, his second son Elias finished his baccalaureate exam and started to work as a hairdresser trainee trying as much as possible to reduce his expenses and support his father.

Samer was in desperate need of a new chance in his life and through the micro-projects, he was able to get it. 

Today after being funded with the pick-up, he started to restore his independence and dignity and he is willing to work as long hours as he could to provide his family with proper living conditions.

Firas had to face enormous difficulties in his life as he was responsible for his sick mother and disabled sister in addition to the household demands so he started working as a mini-bus driver at a young age seeking direct income to afford the living expenses.

He was working on Darayya-Damascus transportation line but after the start of the war, it became very dangerous to work there then the area was closed due to the armed conflict making Firas lose his job. 

Firas didn’t hesitate to work in a different fields because he was the breadwinner of the house and can’t stay jobless so he started working as a salesperson with a percentage of profit.

During that period Firas got married to Riham Asfour and had their kids Tatiana and Carlos. Together, Firas and his wife were working to secure the basic living needs for their kids and his wife was also helping in taking care of Firas’s mother and sister while he was doing his best to work hard and handle the increasing costs of living.

Firas realized that improving his income was uneasy because he was working for other employers and he needed his own project so he applied for the Pick-up truck project depending on his sufficient experience and wide knowledge of the market and customers.

this project will enable him from buying products and goods which will reflect positively on his income and help in improving his living conditions. 

As a talented musician, George's career started in 2006, he was playing his favorite instrument “the Electric Keyboard” in various locations performing beautiful musical sets.

George had a great passion for music and wanted to deliver his music love to everyone believing that this is an important message in his life, so he took classes at many schools and started teaching music to children until 2014 when the situation deteriorated badly and the teaching income was very low compared to the increased living expenses.

As a result, George had to focus more on his work as a musician in order to be able to afford the living needs of his family but although he was a musician for a long time, George has never had the ability to purchase his own instrument and had to rent an electric keyboard every time he has a job.

He also had to pay half of his wage to the instrument owner in addition to being restricted in choosing times and places of work.

Thanks to Hope Center, George was supported to buy his own Electric Keyboard which added great value to his career as he is able now to take any job opportunity without having to share his income with anyone and that will definitely improve his financial condition and secure a better livelihood.

Samaan is 35, unmarried, and lives with his parents and his grandmother. He has three brothers; Alaa and Jalal are married and live separately while Bashar is in military service which made Samaan the breadwinner of the house and responsible for his parents and his sick granny.

Before the war, his family lived in the village of Al-Adeedah, his father was a blacksmith so after turning 15, he started to help him at the workshop and learned the profession, in 2008 he was called for military service and when the crises started in Syria he was obliged to stay as a reserved soldier until his discharge in 2019.

Those 10 years prevented Samaan from making any steps in his life or building anything for the future but he kept on practicing his profession whenever he had time during his service.

However, after being discharged from the service,he returned to his village and started working at several workshops but due to the lack of opportunities there he decided to move with his family and live in Damascus; Soon after, he got to know many contractors and started working with them, especially in setting the solar power bases but most of them didn’t give Samaan fair wages because he doesn’t have his own equipment which make it very difficult to get good income.

With the help of Hope Center, Samaan got the proper fund to establish his own blacksmithing workshop with all the tools and machines required to improve his work and enable him to increase his income and have better living conditions.

As a determined man, age was never an obstacle in Youssef’s life.

He was a hard-working employee for more than 23 years at a governmental institution then he retired and started to do freelance work, seeking one target in his life which is providing his kids with a safe and comfortable environment.

During the crises, the situation started to decline and his income became unstable so he decided to collect his savings and start a small stationary shop in the neighborhood to ensure a sustainable income.

However, this wise decision helped Youssef during the years of war to preserve his dignity and afford the living demands of his family, he wanted to improve his work by adding a printer and other tools but he couldn't because three years ago, his daughter Katia was diagnosed of having Multiple sclerosis which was devastating news for Youssef and his family.

Youssef tried to empower himself for the sake of his daughter to support her during her treatment journey but the pain attacks she suffered from were very tiring for him and his health also deteriorated.

However, that tough period affected Youssef’s work, as he spent most of his income on his daughter’s treatment which made his stationary shop poor in goods and equipment.

With the help of Hope Center, Youssef was supported to purchase a new printer and some equipment to improve his stationary work and secure a better income for his family.

Nabil Farhat, a shoemaker for more than 25 years, is originally from Lebanon, came to Syria in the late eighties, learned the profession of shoemaking, and decided to continue his life in this beloved country.

He got married and had three kids and was very known in his field as many factories were dealing with him due to his meticulous professional work and kind attitude with customers, he considered Syria as his homeland and was feeling grateful to this country who gave him all the good things in his life.

Even after the war, Nabil refused to go back to his country Lebanon and challenged all the difficult conditions and the lack of security and stayed in Syria with great faith that things will get better.

During the crisis, Nabil worked at several factories and workshops trying to secure the basic living needs for his family and supported his kids to continue their education, and was looking forward to teaching his son the profession of shoemaking.

However, in the past couple of years, the work market declined and the demand for well-made shoes decreased due to the high costs of production which made Nabil decide to start a home-based workshop using an old sewing machine and worked at his own expense but he faced many challenges from the lack of electricity to the frequent machine malfunctions that affected his craft and became unable to meet the customers’ demands.

Nabil was so passionate about his profession and was seeking a way to revive it so he sought help from Hope Center and was supported to purchase different kinds of sewing machines in addition to the batteries that will provide him with electricity in order to increase his production and help in bringing him back to the market with a competitive shoes’ quality which will improve his work and living condition.

Rabee has always been an expert at sewing, he had even owned his own workshop since 2003 in a small village, where he lived with his wife and three kids.

However, trouble came knocking at his door when an armed group attacked the area. Rabee and his family had to flee for their lives, leaving behind their rented small house and all their belongings, including his beloved sewing workshop.

Rabee had to start from scratch and find a way to provide for his family. He decided to move to Damascus, where he heard that it was a safer place to live. He went from one workshop to another, working as a laborer, to put food on the table and find a safe place to live, But he didn't give up on his dream of owning a sewing workshop again.

With the help of the micro project in Damascus, Rabee got all the tools and equipment he needed to start his own workshop again. He was grateful for the opportunity to recover his lost livelihood and finally earn a living for his family.

Rabee is now able to provide a better life for his family, thanks to his hard work and determination. He would never forget the hardships he and his family had faced, but he is proud that he persevered through it all.