Micro-Projects is a livelihood-support program which helps family providers who had either lost their livelihood during the war, or aspire to be a productive and financially independent part of the community by starting their own income generating business. By financing their micro-projects, Christian Hope Center is helping Christian families to have a sustainable source of income, through the provision of equipment, machinery and tools. This will eventually mitigate the economic harm caused by increasing poverty and insecurity, preserve their dignity, and alleviate the calamities of war and the economic crisis, which will ultimately preserve the existence of an active Christian community in Syria. In addition to the Micro-Projects supported in Cities of Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, the program also supports families who rely on agriculture as their principal source of income in rural Homs.


702

Aleppo

704

Homs

324

Damascus

Dental Lab


Art can take many forms, you can find it in paintings, sculptures, movies and even in songs, whereas Sarkis found art in dental prostheses making.

Sarkis Bertizian is a dental prosthesis fabricator who lives in the city of Aleppo. His love for art and dentistry was united in his profession. During the war years, Sarkis’s father died after battling with cancer. The loss of his father was very hard on him, he found himself responsible of his family and although he...


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Nursing Kit


Rizk-Allah Rawik is an ambitious 24-year-old, since he was a little boy, he always dreamt of treating the ill and helping those in need. Thus, when he grew up, he decided to become a nurse, he studied for two years in a healthcare institution, and currently, he works night shifts in a hospital, but still; working for 3 days a week isn’t enough to make him a decent income. 

After the economy of the country collapsed, providing a decent life for...


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Barbershop Equipment


Antranig is a kind and talented barber who has a small salon in the city of Aleppo, he started his career in 2003, and his good reputation in the neighborhood played a huge role in the launch of his career. The war didn’t stop Antranig from doing his job but at the same time working in a dangerous city had many tragic consequences, someone like Antranig could leave his house in the morning without knowing if he would ever be...


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Winding Engines and Motors


George Armenag is a 48-year-old man living with his sister in their parents' house. He used to work in his own shop in Aleppo fixing engines and selling electrical supplies.

When the war started George’s shop was destroyed and robbed, therefore he had to sell his shop at a very low value. With this small amount of money, George and his sister managed to maintain a decent living and keep the household running.

With no income, George knew he had to do...


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Potato Cutting Machine


Enad Dahdal is a 36 years, from Aleppo, he finished his military service in 2018 after serving for 8 years. During this time Enad was located in a dangerous area very close to fire lines, one night while he was up protecting the civilians an attack occurred where Enad got injured in his knee. He underwent 3 operations to recover the injury, and luckily with many physiotherapy sessions, he was able to walk again.

Going through such hard times, Enad faced...


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Homemade Sweets


Nihad Ghazal is a 65-year-old with a passion for baking and making pastry since her childhood; she used to make all different types of pastries and give them to her friends at school to try.

As she grew older her love for pastry grew bigger, she used to help her mother with cooking and doing kitchen chores, that’s how she learned her mother’s baking recipes, her secrets and tricks for a perfect bake.

The Ghazal sisters suffered from the war, but unlike...


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Beauty Center


Alina is a young woman who lives with her parents; her father works as a car mechanic in a rental shop. Alina’s family traveled to Armenia from 2015 to 2017. Her brother stayed there. After her return, she completed her studies and obtained a baccalaureate degree. In 2021, she took courses related to the field of cosmetics. it all started as a hobby then she started working in a beauty center where she practiced and gained experience.

Aina wants to be the boss of her own project, but she was hesitant to open a salon because of her financial situation and the coordination between her job at the beauty center and her own business.

Thanks to Hope Center Alina became hopeful again, it helped her gain independence for owning a business and now she is ready to thrive.

Recording Studio Equipment


During the war in Syria, Antoine and his family faced many life-threatening moments;“One day, me and my family was coming back home, after parking our car, we heard a loud explosion so we immediately ran to safety, after checking that everyone was okay, we were shocked that a shell had hit our car and it was entirely destroyed.” Surviving such a traumatizing event left the family in a terrible state, they also had to evacuate their house and move to...


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Dental Clinic


Carla Ishak is an ambitious dentist who recently graduated from Aleppo university, being a dentist was her long-lasting dream. When she was a little girl, she used to go to her father’s clinic to watch him at his job while pretending to be his assistant.

Going through the war in Syria was harsh for Carla and her family, as they had to evacuate their home due to several bombings. The prolonged fights and the damage it caused forced the family to...


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Charcoal Workshop


After a devastating ten years of war and an awful earthquake, Fares Jesri found himself and his pregnant wife lost in a chaotic situation full of challenges. 

Fares used to earn his living working as a waiter in a café in Aleppo when out of nowhere the devastating earthquake that caused massive destruction and disrupted the livelihoods of many has cost Fares his source of income.

His strong will to provide for his family that was about to grow with the baby...


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Tailoring Workshop


In 1989, out of many professions “young Bedros” decided to follow his passion for making suits and designing men's clothing.

Life was peaceful and prosperous for Bedros and his family, his business was growing and he was making a good name for himself, especially when he moved from Idleb to Aleppo to work with larger tailoring workshops that were located in the city. 

When the war started Bedros lost everything in his hometown; his house, his small shop and all that he...


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Sweets and Pastries


In the early days of the war, Dolly's family was among the first to leave Aleppo. Faced with loss, fear, and danger, they made the bold decision to move to Beirut. Living there for six years was not easy for a family of four. Both Dolly and her husband worked tirelessly to provide for their family. Dolly had the opportunity to work in a bakery in Beirut, where she gained valuable experience. However, when the crisis started, the family had...


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Hair Salon


Maryam, a mother of three boys living in the village of Qattinah, faced challenges as her two eldest sons struggled with brain-electricity issues requiring special care. Their difficult circumstances and her husband's modest income, led her to the Micro Projects Program aiming to make a positive change. 

With over 19 years of hairstyling experience from her home village Rableh, Maryam's dream of enhancing her business became a reality. 

The program's approval not only empowered her to continue working from home, but also contributed to the family's stability. The support of the Micro Projects Program transformed her dreams into a source of strength, enabling her to provide for her family and face the challenges with resilience and hope.

Handmade Accessories and Makeup


Dalida, an employee at the University of Homs and a mother of two, discovered her passion for crafting handmade accessories. What started as a hobby turned into a source of income, prompting her to dream bigger. 

Desiring a shop for her creations and cosmetics, she faced financial constraints. Her husband, juggling roles as an employee and a farmer in Qattinah village, the couple had a shop near their home that they couldn’t make a use of due to the high costs. 

Dalida...


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Nail Care Kit


In the village of Qattinah, Vivian and George's life took a heartbreaking turn during the ravages of war. George, serving his mandatory military duty, fell victim to a cruel explosion, robbing him of his sight. Vivian, now the family's sole provider, possessed a talent for nail care. 

Yet, life's hardships continued and lacking the essential tools for her craft pushed her to borrow from a friend to serve her clients. The burden of a rented house further strained their fragile situation....


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Plastering Equipment


For over 25 years, Amer dedicated himself to his profession, wall plastering. Married to Mirvat, with a daughter and a son, he supported not only his immediate family but also his mother and brother, his partner in work. 

Disaster struck two years ago when a construction site fire destroyed Amer's equipment. Things worsened when his essential electric bike was stolen. Unable to afford replacements, he had to rely on friends' equipment for work. 

The Micro Projects Program became a glimmer of hope,...


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Packaging Materials Shop


Lina and Ghassan, parents of two in Qattinah village, faced adversity when Ghassan who is an officer, was shot in the back during the war, left unable to work, forcing Lina to sell their toys' shop to cover medical expenses and support the family. 

When Ghassan recovered, driving a taxi wasn't enough, so the selfless mother envisioned a way to utilize their old shop within their home to start a Packaging Materials Shop. Financial constraints appeared until Lina discovered the Micro Projects Program. 

Fueled by hope, she applied for the shop, aiming to provide nylon, carton, and plastic products. The program became their lifeline, offering a chance for the family to rebuild and secure a sustainable future. 

Sewing Workshop


Jihad, a skilled tailor, faced adversity when war stole his workshop in 2011. Despite losing everything, he continued his craft by working for other tailors. 

Living in a rented house in Al-Hamidiah with his wife, daughter, and mother-in-law, the dream of reopening his workshop seemed mere impossible due to limited resources. 

However, a ray of hope appeared when a friend mentioned the Micro Projects Program. Jihad, determined to revive his small business, applied for assistance. With the program's support, he reclaimed his independence and reestablished his workshop, providing for his family and inspiring others. 

Hair Salon


In the village of Qattinah, Sonia, a devoted wife and mother of three, embarked on her hairstyling journey in 2000. After a decade honing her skills, she transitioned to working independently from home in 2011, supporting her growing family. 

In 2023, with her savings in hand, she made a bold decision to reopen a salon. Her husband, the sole provider for his parents and disabled sister, inspired her to contribute to their livelihood.

Seeking assistance from the Micro Projects Program, she applied for support with basic tools, materials, and an electric generator. With this helping hand, Sonia's salon flourished, bringing stability. The Micro Projects Program played a pivotal role in transforming Sonia's dreams into a thriving reality. 

Dental Clinic


Joud, the only son in a small family, took a leap towards his dreams through the Micro Projects Program. His family lives in a rented house, with his father who works as an employee, his mother managing the home, and his sister, a student in the 11th grade.

Armed with a dentistry degree in 2022, he dove into the workforce immediately, joining a dental care center due to financial constraints preventing the family from opening a private clinic. The Micro Projects...


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Delivery Services


Mounzer, a devoted husband and father of three, faced adversity when war destroyed their home and forced them to live in a rented house. Determined to secure a better life for his family, he left his modest job and searched for new opportunities. Despite lacking experience, Mounzer ventured into fixing simple plumbing issues at homes and delivering goods on his bicycle for a local mini-market in Al-Hamidia. 

He sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program, applying for an electric bicycle. The...


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Mini-Market


In the village of Qattinah, Mouna's life took an unexpected turn in 2020 when her husband, a retired employee, suffered a sudden debilitating stroke. Overnight, Mouna found herself shouldering the responsibility of their well-being. 

She has been running a small mini-market since 2005. However, the last three years were challenging, with inflation and economic crises damaging her micro-project. Determined to persevere, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program to safeguard her only means of providing for her family. The program became a lifeline, offering hope and support in the face of adversity, enabling Mouna to continue her journey and secure a dignified life for her and her husband. 

Sewing Workshop


Najah's husband passed away 9 years ago leaving her and his sister as providers and supporters for his three children. her eldest son had to leave his studies and work due to their hard financial situation, while her daughter works at a hair salon and at the same time studying at university, and her youngest son traveled to Erbil. 

Back to the war period in 2011, Najah and her family were displaced from their house in Homs to Rabah village, in...


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Women's Clothes Shop


Refhaa, a resilient wife and mother of four in Qattinah village, faced unforeseen challenges when her husband battled disc disease, undergoing three surgeries that strained their finances. Since 2008, she has operated a small women's clothes shop, becoming their family's lifeline. 

The post-war inflation hit hard, threatening her shop's survival. Recognizing the need for intervention, she turned to the Micro Projects Program, seeking support to revive her struggling small business.

With determination and the program's assistance, Refhaa revitalized her shop, ensuring a stable income for her family amid the economic crisis. 

Photography Equipment


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

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


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Pick-up Truck


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

Since 2004, he delved into the field of confectionery, honing his skills by working at various pastry shops. In 2008 he was called for military service until 2010. Upon discharge, he returned to his roots in Khabab, opening a pastry shop until 2014 when...


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Nail Care & Beauty Salon


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

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

Karin's entrepreneurial spirit ignited in 2008 when she enrolled in a nail and waxing course at the European Institute. From 2012 onwards, she...


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Blacksmith Workshop


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

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

Reineh was yearning to...


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Printing Center


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

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

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


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Griddle Sandwiches


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

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

During that period, he took on various jobs to support his household, from working as a kitchen assistant to packing relief supplies,...


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Hairdressing Salon


Youssef Halaweh was born in 1989 in Dwalaa, Damascus city, his father, once a photographer, planted in him a passion for artistic expression to become a talented hairdresser.

Youssef's career as a hairstylist began in 2010, initially focusing on women's hairdressing before transitioning to work as a hairstylist for presenters on television channels like Talaqi and Sama. Despite the professional success, his personal life was fraught with difficulty as his mother battled breast cancer and the financial condition of his family...


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Pick-up Car


Meneam Salloum's life was marked by hardships but with his strong determination he was able to rise above all the challenges he faced.

he is living in Al-Abbasein with his retired father and two brothers, and together they faced numerous setbacks from losing his mother to grappling with unstable security conditions during the crisis, but he never let circumstances define him. 

Before the war started, he was working at his own shoe-making workshop in Jobar, but after few months of the war,...


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Taxi


Rafy Al-Sahwy, born in 1982 and residing in Al-Dwalaa, faced numerous challenges in life. With his parents deceased and siblings married, he lived with his brother, striving to make ends meet. His journey through different jobs—from being a taxi driver to a private chauffeur and later distributing charcoal by bicycle—reflects his resilience amidst hardships.

The war and his father's illness forced Rafy to abandon his farming work at the village and return to live with his family in Damascus. Despite various...


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Photography Equipment


Jean Baghdady, born in 1997, lives with his family in Jaramana. His father, Antoun, works diligently as a maintenance worker at Saint Paul Monastery trying to put food on the table at the end of the day.

Jean's journey through work has been diverse; from volunteering at the UN in 2017 to becoming a photographer's assistant from 2018 until the present day, he has explored various professional avenues. Additionally, he has been employed as a receptionist at Alberto Monastery since 2021....


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Make-up Kit


Raneen Al-Eid is originally from Daraa, her journey took a turn when she shifted to Damascus to pursue her studies in commerce and economics back in 2010. However, her aspirations were rerouted as she got married in 2013.

Her husband worked in a cooling and refrigeration company, and he was trying his best to provide for his family but with the company closure, Raneen and her husband found themselves in the face of financial hardships.

With determination to support her family, Raneen...


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Taxi


Khalil Al-Assaf, 34, carried the weight of responsibilities on his young shoulders, anchored by the memories of his deceased father. His world orbited around his mother, and his siblings: a sister, born in 1986, a school teacher, and a brother, born in 1987, who dedicated himself to volunteer work at the Sacred Hearts.

His journey began during critical conditions as he was called for service in 2010, where he stayed until his discharge in 2020, scarred by shrapnel wounds rendering him...


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