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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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....


Read More

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,...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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...


Read More

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. 

Pick-up truck


Suffering is an inseparable companion of war, especially for those who were injured and became incapacitated and unable to practice their life normally like in the case of Ebrahim Aldawod. After turning 18, Ebrahim was called for military service and stayed until  2011 when the war took place so he was kept as a reserve soldier for the next four years. however, in 2015 Ebrahim was exposed to a car accident during his service and was hurt badly which caused...


Read More

Dental Clinic


Karina Issa graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry full of ambition, dreaming to become a successful dentist and have her own clinic. 

She did her training period with a doctor in Safita village where she also performed for rural service. Then in 2017, she got married to Kinan Dagher and moved to live with him in Dwalaa area in Damascus and they had their lovely daughter Anita. 

During that period Karina volunteered at St. Joseph dispensary and served the community and the...


Read More

Pick-up Truck


For most of his life, Abd Al-Ahad struggled against difficult circumstances and the lack of job opportunities in the country especially since he was working as a government employee for a modest salary and wasn't able to find an additional job during the years of war as it was challenging for anyone to find a good income source. 

Abd Al-Ahad had no choice but to stay in his job as a private driver at the Directorate of Livestock in the industrial...


Read More

Plumbing Workshop


Rimon Eid is 31 years old, married to Joelle Smara, and has a newborn daughter named Stephanie

Rimon began his professional career at an early age when he learned the plumbing career and started working in partnership with his cousin. He quickly became a professional in this career and had his own customers.

Like any ambitious young man in his prime, Rimon was seeking to improve his financial situation and increase his income, so in 2009 he traveled to Lebanon in search...


Read More

Taxi


“After all the hardships I had been through, I was about to lose hope, but now I feel like life finally smiled at me”

This is how Tony Al-Ahmar expressed his feelings after being supported with the taxi project.

Tony Al-Ahmar is 35 years old, married to Jina Abboud and they have an adorable baby called Rudolf. Before the crisis, Tony worked as a catering officer in various restaurants and he was doing his best to save money and build up a...


Read More

Taxi


Fady Darweesh is 28 years old, newly married to Salwa and they live in a rented flat in Kashkoul. He was raised in a modest family and had to start working at an early age to handle his own expenses and help with the house demands. He was 18 when he started to work as a house painter, spending most of the day from one workshop to another trying his best to afford the livelihood costs.

In 2014, Fady was called...


Read More

Taxi


Kinan had no opportunity to work or do any job for about a decade because after starting his twenties and finishing his education, he was called for military service, and for the next ten years all that he learned about was being a driver because he was appointed during the service as vehicles driver.  

In 2021 Kinan’s brother joined the service so that Kinan could be discharged as being the household only provider and for the first time in ten years...


Read More

Taxi


Like most young men of his age, Elias Al-Mezel had to start working from an early age to help his parents with the living demands.

He is 26 and lives with his family in his grandfather's house in Al-Dwalaa, his father was working as a shoemaker but he started to suffer from Asthma in addition to other health issues that made him unable to work. on the other hand, his mother’s health was also in bad condition which forced Elias to...


Read More

Hairdressing Salon


Caroline is a 27 single woman who lives with her parents and her brother Fady in Kashkoul, Damascus suburb, she was raised in a united family and learned that all the family members should work to support each other through the good and the bad.

Caroline‘s father worked in tiling for most of the day and her brother Fady started working as a hairdresser but they both couldn’t afford the house demands so Caroline had to work as a secretary in...


Read More

Mini-Van


In the blink of an eye, Rashid turned from a dreamer teenager into a man burdened with worries and responsibilities. Rashid was the only brother to four sisters and was living happily with his family in good financial condition and many spaces were open in his way.

All of that vanished at the age of sixteen when his father got sick and needed long intensive treatment that forced them to sell the house, and the car and spend all the savings...


Read More

Barbershop


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...


Read More

Perfume and Cosmetics Shop


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...


Read More