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.


716

Aleppo

717

Homs

333

Damascus

Production of Car Upholstery


Zawin is a hardworking person who strive for his family; his wife and two sons.

Zawin has been working in the production and upholstery of cars since 2005 and has added through his experience in the production of Arab Majlis seating. Zawin had to make a lot of sacrifices in his work, 5 years ago the place where he works was exposed to a fire that resulted in the loss of all existing equipment and goods. 

Living a decent life and supporting...


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Music-Recording Studio


“Where words fail, music speaks.” That’s how George replied when we asked him about the reason behind his love for music. 

Since he was an 8-year-old, George was fascinated by music and the industry in general.

His parents decided to enroll him in a music institute where he chose to learn Cello, his love for music didn’t stop there, he used to go to his uncle’s studio to watch him produce music for many artists. After a short time, he started helping...


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Carpentry Machines


George is married and has worked in the carpentry profession since childhood with more than 40 years of experience, he had a full workshop with a kit, but because of the war he lost the workshop with the entire equipment, unfortunately, he cannot return to his former work area because its still under control of armed groups.

During war his home was exposed to a shell explosion, which led to great damage to the house, as a result, the family was...


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Sewing Machine


Hilda is a lovely married woman who works in the church and her husband works as a driver for the church as well, because of the difficult life that Syrian families are going through, Hilda's family went through harsh conditions, which led to financial burdens, the earthquak made things worse because their house was greatly damaged.

when we are exposed to immense loss, we try to look for any small light in order to start a new chapter in life even...


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Taxi


Elias is an example of the patient and strong father who faces life’s challenges for his family, Elias is married and has two sons, one of whom is serving in military, life challenged Elias differently at each stage, in the period of war he was displaced from his home, and his son was exposed to a war injury during his mandatory service time. 

Corona came to be one of the most difficult periods he went through; it kept him away from...


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Aluminium Workshop


The years of war were not easy for Fadi's family, however, it didn't stop them from pursuing their dreams of living in peace and stability. Fadi’s family suffered a lot during the war, especially in the first years as Fadi is a resident of the village of Al-Jadeeda in the Idlib countryside, which is one of the Christian villages in the city of Idlib. He was displaced with his family from the village after they were besieged by armed groups.

At...


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Taxi


Elias is a strong man who defied the difficulties of life for the sake of his family’s happiness despite all the harsh circumstances he went through. 

Elias is married and has three children, he suffered a lot during the war; he had a taxi in 2014, but unfortunately it was destroyed by a shell in 2016, despite the difficulty of the situation he was able to overcome this incident for the sake of his children and started working as a driver...


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Plumber Equipmentَ


Naeem is an example of strong personality who will face crises with positive adaptation without suppression or confusion, married and has two sons, he works in the field of sanitary installations, solar energy installation and electricity extension.

Naeem tried to develop himself in his domain of work despite all the difficulties and challenges he faced, he is a creative person who added with his experience of more than 15 years working in the field of central heating, he rented a shop...


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Nutrition Consultant Clinic


Samar is a mother of three children and a clinical nutritionist, she obtained her degree in food technical engineering from the city of Aleppo, and works in the field of food engineering in several clinics affiliated with the churches. 

Samar is a persistent woman; despite all the difficulties and challenges, she completed her studies during war, and did not give up her childhood dream. She had a strong desire to open her own center, specializing in following up the conditions of...


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Dental Clinic


Dr. Ghassan have been working in the clinic for more than 30 years, he has extensive experience in the field of dentistry, his work was greatly affected during the war because his place was exposed to a lot of shells, and when the area became safe, he decided to develop his clinic's devices because the equipment was worn-out that it became dilapidated.

The earthquake destroyed all Ghassan’s dreams for the enhancement of his clinic and his house from which he and...


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Hairdressing Salon


Since childhood, Masses has been ambitious snd creative, he works in the field of women's hairdressing, his profession depends on good taste in order to satisfy customers, he has practiced this profession since childhood with at least 30 years of experience, Masses wants to develop his long-standing project, however, the equipment that he has is old and worn out due to daily use but he cannot afford a new set. 

“in our days the generator fees is consuming our inccome but...


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Cars Spraying


Shant is a passionate person, aspiring to be proficient in his work, self-reliant, in order to secure a decent life for his family; Shant is married and a father of two, he works day and night for the wellness of his family.

Shant works in the profession of car spraying, and has extensive experience in this field, he currently works in a workshop but the equipment is not his, and the wage he receives is not commensurate with his experience and...


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Floor Grinding and Polishing


Nano has been working in floor grinding and polishing since 1995, he faced numerous challenges over the years. With a family to support, including his wife and two children, his primary goal was to secure a stable income.

In 2013, the unthinkable happened, his family was displaced from their home in Al-Dwair village due to the war and forced to relocate to Fairouza village. Amidst the chaos, he managed to carry his equipment with him, a valuable asset he had preserved...


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Sewing Machines


Reem and Gaby, a couple from Qattinah village, faced a challenging journey to parenthood. After enduring 8 IVF trials, Reem was unexpectedly diagnosed with uterine cancer. They returned to their home village, in Syria for her treatment. Despite the financial strain and difficult living conditions, she fought through chemotherapy and radiation, reaching the final stages of her treatment with improving health.

Gaby, working as a DJ, found it tough to make ends meet in Syria. As Reem began her recovery, she...


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Floor Tiling Equipment


Rami, a dedicated father and the sole provider for his wife and four children, has been working as a floor tiler since the turn of the millennium. Over the years, his trusty equipment had worn out, and he faced the challenge of frequent electricity shortages, which hampered his productivity in this electricity-dependent profession.

The cost of replacing his equipment and investing in a generator was unaffordable for him, given his responsibility for a large family. Amid the harsh economic conditions of...


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Floor Tiling Equipment


Nidal, a skillful craftsman with over two decades of experience in floor tiling and stone cladding, had always been the backbone of his family in Homs. His wife, daughter, son, and his son's young family relied on his skills for their livelihood.

However, as time went by, his tools and equipment began to show their age. Renewing them became increasingly challenging, with maintenance costs increasing. His work often suffered from the frequent blackouts in the region, causing delays and frustrations. To...


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Floor Grinding and Polishing


From a young age, Manhal worked alongside his older brother, in floor grinding and polishing during summer season. In 2005, he ventured to Lebanon, where he stayed for five years. But in 2005, he returned to his hometown, Al-Dwair, and embraced a new chapter of his life.

He married Rihab, and together they established a family with two daughters and a son. However, their path took an unexpected turn in 2012 when they were displaced from their home village and had...


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Dairy Shop


Yolla, a mother of three in Qattinah village, is married to Rasem, a retired employee. The couple and their two unemployed sons, George and Jack, depended on her dairy shop for living. Tragically, the family had already endured the loss of their eldest son, Johnny.

In 2016, she initiated the dairy shop using rented refrigerators, a venture born out of necessity. Over time, these refrigerators became worn-out, maintenance costs soared, and replacement seemed financially impossible. The situation became challenging as she...


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Shoe Store


Dalia, a resident of Qattinah village, became the backbone of her family when her husband's health issues forced him out of work. With a modest salary, she bravely took on the responsibility of providing for their family of four. In 2019, she took a bold step by opening a shoe store, hoping to secure a stable living.

However, economic challenges and tough circumstances hindered her ability to restock the store with goods. Her husband made a difficult decision to travel to...


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Cotton Clothes Shop


In 2017, Nada's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Disc disease, leaving her unable to continue her work in sewing and clothes repairing. Her husband, Fadi, a retired employee, faced his own health challenges as a tumor paralyzed his facial muscles, requiring continuous physical therapy. 

With their wheat land providing insufficient income, their son Waad took on a job at a sugar factory to support his ailing parents. In a desperate bid to regain financial stability, Nada...


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Sweets and Pastries


Nancy, a mother of two, faced challenges while her husband Toni served in mandatory military service. Struggling with unsuitable jobs, she discovered her passion for baking. Posting on Facebook, she began taking pastry orders, but as demand grew, her kitchen tools fell short. 

Living in a rented house, her baking venture became the family's main income source. Determined to enhance her skills, she applied to the Micro Projects Program for vital tools. 

Nancy's dedication not only transformed her hobby into a thriving business but also improved her family's financial situation. In the face of adversity, her love for baking became a beacon of hope for a brighter livelihood.

Pizzeria


Aghiad's journey from hardship to success is one of hard work and determination. After his parents' passing, he chose to stay with his sister, while their siblings sought opportunities abroad. A twist of fate struck with a knee injury from a car accident, creating a need for surgery that he couldn't afford. Undeterred, he took on a job as an accountant, in a restaurant and then as a teacher in an NGO, struggling to make ends meet.

His path to success...


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Beauty Salon


Hala, a wife and mother of four daughters in Qattinah village, faced the challenge of supporting her family as her husband battled health issues requiring joint replacement surgery. 

With determination, she utilized her skills, working tirelessly at her hair salon for over 5 years. Recognizing the potential to expand her small business, Hala's daughters joined her in the salon, and she pursued additional training in nail care and makeup.

Eager to transform her project into a thriving beauty salon, Hala applied to...


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Cotton Clothes


Rana, from Al-Qaryatayn village, endured the horrors of war, facing abduction and loss after armed groups kidnapped her, she spent a harrowing month in captivity, losing her husband in the war. 

Left with the responsibility of two young sons, they fled to Zaidal village and later settled in Fairouza. In 2017, with humble beginning and assistance from kind individuals, Rana initiated her cotton clothes business from home and despite the challenges, she persevered for the sake of her children. 

Seeking a better future, she applied to the Micro Projects Program, aspiring to enhance her inventory and alleviate her family's hardships. Rana's resilience shines as she strives for a dignifies life for herself and her sons. 

Pick-up Truck


“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...


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Pick-up Truck


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...


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Electric Keyboard


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...


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Blacksmith Workshop


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...


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Stationery Shop


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...


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Shoe-making Workshop


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...


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Sewing Workshop


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...


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Hairdressing Salon


Nada had been working as a hairstylist for over 8 years, but she never felt satisfied with her job. She had worked for several different salons, but the owners always took most of the profit, leaving her with a meager salary. She had to support her parents-in-law whom she lives with in their house, as well as her husband and newborn baby, so she knew she had to find a better way to make a living.

She decided to start her...


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Taxi


Johnny Al-Deeb was one of the people who lost their livelihood resources during the devastating war. He worked as a bus driver since 2000 on Deir Al-Zor road, but soon after the war began, the road on which he drove became insecure and fraught with dangers, in addition to the kidnappings and killings incidents that affected drivers and passengers.

In order to save his life, Johnny had no choice but to quit his job and start looking for another source of...


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Mini Van


For more than twenty years, Malek was a prosperous business owner, as he had a shop selling auto car parts in the Al-Qadam area in Damascus. He also owned a house in which he lived with his family in Erbin area, and he was working to establish a good future for his children without expecting that the war would take away everything he worked for.

Due to the security incidents and armed clashes, Malek lost his shop including all the goods,...


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Plastic Bags Shop


From a head of department official at a Ceramic factory to a touring salesman on a bicycle in the morning and elderlies care worker in the evening, war shifted the life of Waleed Hoshan 

He is 53, married, and has two kids, Mariam and Wissam, he was working in the industrial city of Adraa as the department supervisor and his life was stable until 2012 when the armed conflict took place in the area turning it into a fighting zone which...


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Aluminum workshop


Simon comes from a loving and close-knit family who were living in a border village in the countryside of Homs called Alqseir. His father used to work as a farmer and his annual income was enough to provide his family with good living conditions.

However, all that changed with the beginning of the crisis in Syria, as the village of Alqseir was one of the first areas affected by the war according to its critical location on the Lebanese-Syrian borders that...


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