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.

Hussam's hands were steady as he carefully placed each piece of stone, marble, and ceramic cladding. It was a skill he had inherited from his late father, who had dedicated his life to this craft. From an early age, Hussam had learned the artistry and precision required to create stunning designs.

After his father's untimely passing in 1997, Hussam took up the reins of the family business. He poured his heart and soul into his work, mastering every technique and ensuring that the legacy of his father lived on. For years, he worked side by side with his father's trusted tools, carrying on the tradition that had been passed down through generations.

But life had other plans for Hussam. In 2017, he was struck by heart disease, a cruel blow that threatened to shatter his dreams. The expensive treatment forced him to make a heart-wrenching decision: he sold his beloved equipment to cover the medical costs that were mounting against him.

After his health improved in 2018, he borrowed equipment from his kind-hearted friends, who understood his passion and desire to provide for his family. Once again, he delved into his craft, pouring his soul into every project he undertook.

However, fate dealt him another blow in July 2022, when his heart troubles resurfaced. A second cardiac catheterization was needed, and while his health stabilized, his friends were no longer able to lend him the equipment. Hussam was left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of how to support his wife and two children.

Hussam turned to the Micro Projects Program. He submitted his application, detailing his situation and explaining how the program could be a lifeline for his family. With the aid of the program, Hussam hoped to acquire the essential equipment that would allow him to once again work independently, relying on his own efforts to provide for his loved ones.

Months passed, and finally, the day arrived when he received the long-awaited news. The Micro Projects Program had approved his application, granting him the opportunity to enhance his livelihood.

With gratitude in his heart, Hussam acquired the necessary equipment. The income he will generate, will bring stability and hope back into his household, ensuring that his wife and children had a better life.

Saadallah's life had been marked by a series of hardships and losses. In 2013, he was compelled to begin his mandatory military service, a nine-year commitment that consumed his prime years. During this time, tragedy struck when his brother lost his life in the war in 2016. As if losing his brother wasn't devastating enough, their family home in Al-Hamidia neighborhood was destroyed, leaving Saadallah, his wife Natalie, and their twin daughters, Maryam and Maya, without a place to call their own. So, they moved to Fairouza village where they rented an apartment.

Despite the challenges, he remained determined to provide for his family. Since 2006, he had worked as a floor tiler, but his limited access to proper tools hindered his progress. Without the necessary equipment, he always had to rely on others, preventing him from working independently.

In an effort to improve his situation, Saadallah applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance to acquire all the essential equipment, including an electric bike that would significantly ease his transportation and the movement of his equipment and an electric generator.

When the news arrived that his application had been accepted, his spirit soared with hope. Equipped with the necessary tools, the electric generator, and the electric bike, he could take on more projects, complete them efficiently, and increase his income. This new independence would not only secure a brighter future for his family but also help him reclaim the years he lost during his military service. 

Ammar's life took an unexpected turn when his father passed away, leaving him as the sole provider for his mother and younger siblings. Residing in Fairouza village, he embraced his new responsibilities with determination and love.

However, life had other plans for him. He was obliged to complete a mandatory military service that spanned from 2014 to 2020, putting his dreams on hold. After his discharge, he found himself working as an employee, earning a modest salary to support his family. Although he held a bachelor's degree in law, circumstances had prevented him from pursuing a career in his chosen field.

He faced a dilemma. He lacked experience in any craft or profession, limiting his employment opportunities. It was then that he learned about the Micro Projects Program, a beacon of hope in his challenging journey. He saw a chance to create a better future for his family.

Ammar submitted an application to the program, seeking assistance to acquire a mini pick-up truck. This vehicle would serve as the foundation for his new venture, transporting goods and building a sustainable source of income.

The Micro Projects Program approved his application and provided him with support to purchase the mini pick-up truck. Equipped with his vehicle, Ammar began his entrepreneurial journey, serving the local community by delivering goods efficiently and reliably.

Through hard work, perseverance, and the support of his loving family, his business thrived. The income generated from his transportation services not only fulfilled the immediate needs of his family but also allowed his younger siblings to pursue their university education without financial worries.

George made a bold move when he decided to change his career and open an accessories and cosmetics shop. With eight years of experience in mobile phone maintenance, he believed he had the skills to venture into a new business. Little did he know that his journey would be filled with challenges.

In 2019, his new shop flourished, attracting customers with its diverse range of products. However, the tide soon changed with severe inflation and skyrocketing rental costs. He struggled to keep up with the expenses and found it increasingly difficult to replenish his shop's inventory.

Realizing the dire situation he was facing, George sought a solution to save his only source of livelihood. He applied to the Micro Projects Program, hoping for assistance and support. 

With the provided help, George managed to revitalize his struggling shop. He was able to restock his inventory, ensuring a wide range of accessories and cosmetics for his customers. 

His business gradually regained its momentum. The support he received not only strengthened his shop but also instilled a newfound hope in him. As his engagement and wedding plans loomed, George was grateful for the Micro Projects Program, which not only secured his mother's and his future but also ensured a stable foundation for his upcoming family.

Fadi, a dedicated farmer and hardworking father, faced a significant challenge in his pursuit of providing for his family. Living in the village of Maskanah, he resided with his beloved wife Riham and their two young sons, Mikhail and Danial. With dreams of a prosperous future, he relied on his farming skills to support his family while also working as a driver in the nearby industrial area.

His agricultural endeavors were centered around his cherished land, adorned with grapevines, olive, and almond trees. These crops held the promise of a bountiful harvest, but their success relied heavily on proper care and regular irrigation. Unfortunately, Fadi's limited financial means prevented him from constructing a crucial water pond essential for storing the necessary water supply.

In 2021, he valiantly began digging the foundation for the water pond on his land, hoping to secure his family's future. However, the lack of financial resources halted his progress, leaving the pond unfinished and his crops at risk. As the scorching summer approached, he grew increasingly worried about the impending drought and the potential devastation it could bring to his beloved grapevines and olive trees.

Determined not to let adversity hinder his dreams, Fadi made a bold decision and applied to the Micro Projects Program. After he heard that this program aimed to empower individuals like him by providing the necessary assistance to continue their projects and improve their livelihoods. Filled with hope, he awaited the response, yearning for a chance to secure the resources needed to complete the water pond and save his crops from the impending dry spell.

The Micro Projects Program approved his application, offering the needed help to continue his project. With the newfound support, Fadi was finally able to complete the construction of the water pond, ensuring a sufficient water supply to nourish his land and safeguard his crops during the sweltering summer months.

Fadi's perseverance paid off, as his grapevines, olive trees, and almond groves flourished under the care of the water pond. The once-barren land transformed into a thriving oasis, providing a stable income for Fadi and his family. With their newfound prosperity, Fadi and Riham could offer their sons a brighter future, filled with hope and opportunities.

Inaam, a married woman and a mother of two university students, has been diligently working as a seamstress since 1995. Despite her efforts, she knew she needed to do more to support her family. In 2000, she took up additional employment to improve her income. Inaam's husband, a retired engineer, suffered from heart disease, adding to their financial burdens.

In 2022, determined to create a better future, she took a leap of faith and opened her own workshop in a rented space. However, she faced a hurdle, the lack of essential machines that were necessary to develop her project. Inaam applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance. 

Fortunately, her plea for support was heard, and she was granted the necessary support to acquire the required machines. With her newfound equipment, her workshop flourished. Her income improved significantly, providing stability and a brighter future for her family. Through sheer determination and the help of the Micro Projects Program, Inaam transformed her humble sewing workshop into a thriving small business, ensuring a better life for herself, her husband, and their two university-going sons.

Fadi, a talented hair stylist, had dedicated a decade of his life perfecting his craft. He gained valuable experience by successfully managing a hair salon in Lebanon, despite his young age. However, the worsening situation in the country forced him to return to his homeland of Syria. Determined to continue pursuing his passion, he settled in Homs and decided to open his own hair salon.

With the money he had managed to save over the years, he eagerly invested in his dream. He purchased all the necessary equipment and supplies to create a welcoming and professional environment for his clients. Excitement filled his heart as he prepared to bring his skills to the community.

However, Fadi soon faced an unexpected obstacle, the constant electricity shortages; the rationing measures resulted in long blackouts, severely affecting his ability to operate his salon smoothly. Clients grew frustrated, and his hard work began to crumble under the weight of the power crisis.

Being the sole provider for his mother, he felt the burden of the situation more intensely. He needed a solution, but his savings had been entirely spent on setting up the salon, leaving him unable to afford an electric generator.

In a moment of hope, Fadi turned to the Micro Projects Program, seeing it as a potential lifeline for his struggling business. He applied, pouring his heart into explaining the challenges he faced and the positive impact a generator would have on his salon. He knew that having a reliable source of electricity would not only benefit his own livelihood but also provide stability for his employees, who had been tirelessly supporting him.

Days turned into weeks, and Fadi waited for a response. Finally, he received the news he had been longing for, his application had been approved. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he couldn't believe that he would soon receive the needed electric generator.

With the generator in place, Fadi's salon regained its former glory. The lights sparkled brightly, and the hair dryers hummed with renewed vigor. Clients flocked back, impressed by his resilience and determination to overcome the challenges that came his way.

Nouha, a resilient young woman hailing from Homs, Al-Hamidia neighborhood, found her life forever altered when the war erupted in 2011. As the conflict escalated, forcing her family to seek safety in a village called Mouzeina, her dreams of education were abruptly halted and she got married there in 2015. The subsequent years brought a series of challenges, but her determination and passion for the beauty field would eventually guide her towards a path of independence and hope.

In the village, she honed her skills in nail care and began offering services from the comfort of her own home. For five years, she diligently catered to her clients. However, as life often presents unexpected challenges, Nouha's marital problems became a heavy burden to bear. Eventually, she found herself separated from her husband, carrying the weight of responsibilities alone.

Returning to Homs city with her young daughter Angela in 2021, Nouha sought refuge within the embrace of her family. Together with her parents and brother, they formed a close-knit unit that provided love and support during this difficult time. To sustain herself and her daughter, she found work at the local church, supplementing her income as a nail care specialist.

She borrowed essential tools, such as a UV device and an electric file, from her sister's now-closed salon to continue her work and found an opportunity at a well-known salon. However, she didn’t have access to all the necessary equipment, which would help her establish a thriving career and grant her financial independence so she applied to the Micro Projects Program.

This initiative offered her the chance to pursue her dreams and build a better future for herself and her daughter. With the support, she acquired the essential equipment needed to continue working and improving her income, giving her the chance to provide a dignified life for Angela.

Rafik's life had been filled with hardships and challenges. He had lost nine precious years of his youth serving in the mandatory military service, which left him with no work experience or opportunities in any field. His family, originally from Al-Qaryatayn, had experienced the horrors of war firsthand. Their house had been reduced to rubble, and they were forced to flee to Fairouza, where they sought refuge.

To add to their misfortunes, his father and one of his brothers had been kidnapped for a harrowing four months. Thankfully, they were eventually set free, but the ordeal left deep scars on the family.

After completing his military service, he found work as a construction worker, earning a modest income. However, he longed for a sustainable and independent means of livelihood. With this hope in mind, he applied to the Micro Projects Program for a mini pick-up truck. 

Through the program, Rafik was able to secure support to launch his own project. With determination and hard work, he began building his dream alongside the woman he loves, who he is now engaged to. Their plan to establish their own family became more feasible, as Rafik's project promised a better future and a stable income.

Layal's life has been a series of challenges, but her determination and passion for the beauty industry have never wavered. For over six years, she has developed her skills in the beauty field, working tirelessly from her home in the Al-Arman neighborhood. Recently, she ventured into nail care and eyebrows tattoo, seeking to expand her expertise.

Despite limited resources, she managed to save up enough money to purchase some essential tools and materials for her business, including a UV device and an electric file. However, her dreams of fully equipping her beauty studio were hampered by financial constraints. As a single mother of two daughters, living with her parents after her separation from her husband, Layal faced numerous obstacles.

Determined to overcome these hardships, she applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking support to acquire the remaining tools and materials necessary to enhance and expand her project. With the essential kit, she knew she could continue her journey and improve her services. Layal's ultimate goal is to establish her own beauty center in the future, providing a wide range of beauty services to her clients.

With the support of the Micro Projects Program, she hopes to turn her small room in her parents' house into a thriving beauty studio, paving the way for a brighter future for herself and her daughters.

Rami's life revolved around his aluminum workshop, a place where he poured his heart and soul for 15 long years. With each passing year, his skills grew, and his reputation as a skilled craftsman spread throughout the town. However, his dreams were suddenly shattered when severe electricity shortage crippled his ability to work efficiently.

The power cuts were relentless, leaving him with limited working hours and hindering his progress. To add to his troubles, some of his equipment needed renovation. Determined not to let adversity bring him down, he decided to seek help from the Micro Projects Program.

His wife, Randa, was a dedicated school teacher in Fairouza village. Together, they rented a modest apartment and were blessed with a precious 5-year-old son named Elie. Their lives were simple but filled with love and hope. However, the war brought unexpected destruction, rendering their family house in Al-Hamidia uninhabitable. Forced to leave their memories behind, Rami, Randa, and Elie sought refuge in Fairouza village. It was a fresh start, a chance to rebuild their lives.

Rami's journey in the aluminum profession began in 1995 when he embarked on the path of learning. Years of dedication and hard work led him to open his first workshop in 2007. Despite the challenges, he never lost sight of his dreams.

One remarkable skill Rami possessed was his ability to design using specialized software. With this tool, he could bring his clients' visions to life before executing them. His designs were a testament to his creativity and attention to detail, making him stand out among his peers.

The Micro Projects Program approved his application for an electric generator and essential equipment. The news brought joy and renewed hope for Rami and his family. Now, Rami could overcome the electricity rationing and breathe new life into his workshop.

As the generator hummed to life, his aluminum workshop regained productivity. With renewed energy and upgraded equipment, he worked tirelessly to fulfill his clients' demands. The orders poured in, and Rami's craftsmanship flourished once again.

Youssef, a hardworking farmer from Al-Maamoura village, had always strived to provide for his family. With a wife and a beautiful four-year-old daughter, he cherished every moment spent with them. However, life became more challenging when his brother had to leave for Lebanon to find work, leaving behind his wife and her two children under Youssef's care.

Youssef and his six brothers were fortunate to inherit their father's vast and fertile land, which was adorned with almond, olive, and grape trees. These trees held the promise of a bountiful harvest, but the lack of a reliable water source posed a significant obstacle. Youssef had been renting a water tanker to irrigate the trees, which had become a considerable financial burden over time. His dream of nurturing his family and providing for their needs seemed distant.

Determined to find a solution, he applied to the Micro Projects Program for assistance. Recognizing the importance of well-watered trees for increased productivity, he sought a water tanker that would alleviate the burden of renting one. With his own tractor ready to be used, the tanker was the missing piece in his irrigation system. It would ensure the trees received the optimal amount of water, enabling them to thrive and bear plentiful fruits.

But the significance of the water tanker extended beyond the land. His family, including his sister-in-law and her children, also relied on it for their daily drinking water needs. Clean water was essential for them, and the tanker would enable them to access it conveniently.

Days turned into weeks, and he awaited a response from the Micro Projects Program. Finally, the good news arrived, his application had been approved. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he received the water tanker.

With the tanker now at his disposal, Youssef could efficiently irrigate his trees, ensuring their strength and productivity. Additionally, clean drinking water flowed into his household, bringing peace of mind and improved living conditions for everyone.

Hassan Jolan, 33, didn’t have the chance to work or learn any profession after turning into his twenties because he was called for military service. He thought it would be a short period and pass in peace, but he did not know that a fierce war would strike his country to steal nine years from his life in which he had to be far from his family and friends under very difficult circumstances until his discharge in 2019.

He went home full of hope, got married to Suzan Altheib, and had adorable two kids who compensated him for the bitterness of wartime. During that period, he started to work as a taxi driver but he encountered critical conditions due to the corona virus and the restrictions that were followed by a huge increase in prices.

Unfortunately, no matter how long he worked, he kept suffering from the insufficient income and he became unable to handle the living expenses and his kids’ demands, especially since the taxi owner started to increase the rent which prevented him from having any additional savings.

However, even though all his relatives and friends were encouraging him to travel abroad, deep in his heart Hassan was praying to have a chance in his country, close to his parents and among his friends, and that’s what he got as he was funded with the taxi project that turned his life around as he has now a taxi of his own, and independence to have a better and sustainable income to improve his living conditions.

Out of poverty, desperation, and sickness, a strong girl came out to defy all the circumstances of life and prove to everyone that no obstacle can dissuade her from working and earning her livelihood.

Mirai Al-Sahwi is 23 years old and since her childhood, was suffering from Myocardial insufficiency that prevented her from doing any extra effort. She was living in the confines of a loving family that supported one another until death stole her father who was the most important thing in her life.

Mirai's mother started to do house cleaning to secure her children's daily food and save them from poverty. Mirai couldn't see her mother suffering alone and despite her critical health condition, she left school and began to work at a detergent factory for long hours to support her mother with the living expenses.

In 2018, Mirai decided to learn the nail polishing profession, and then she started working in a salon to gain experience and some income. For two years, she endured long working hours until her health deteriorated greatly which forced her to quit her job at the salon and try to work at home or at customers’ houses.

Although She was working hard, the high prices of materials and tools hindered her work from developing. 

As expected of this self-made girl, when she heard about the Micro-project program in Damascus, she never hesitated to apply for support for her project.

She deserved that opportunity as she was funded with the necessary materials and tools to start her small business at home, in the hope that her project would develop and become able to obtain a greater income that would provide her with a decent life and relieve her sick mother from the hardships of her tiring work.

At the age of 15, Khalil Khoury started working to help his parents, as their financial condition wasn't good, and he had to work to secure his expenses and help his parents with household obligations.

He began working as an assistant to a Plumbing & Sanitary Maintenance Supervisor and soon became skilled in that profession and began to take his own workshops as customers began to ask him to do their work because of his skills and his low wages.

Khalil wanted to have his maintenance store so he could work at bigger workshops and expand his work so he began saving money for this purpose, but as soon as the war broke out in Syria, all his efforts were in vain because he was called for military service, and it lasted for nine difficult years, during which he faced the horrors and dangers of war.

however, during his holiday permissions, Khalil didn't hesitate to work and secure some money to help his parents in light of the bad conditions they were living in.

After he was released, Khalil returned to work, and his friend helped him buy simple tools to use at work, so he began to work hard to compensate for the lost years of his life.

he was full of determination to work and improve his living conditions, and despite all the obstacles such as lack of electricity and lack of money to buy new equipment, he continued to strive, hoping for an improvement in his situation one day.

this is when one of his friends told him to apply to the micro-projects program and he immediately applied for support in equipment, machinery, and the electric generator, which will constitute a great leap in his field of work and he will be able to receive larger workshops and work for more hours

Today, Khalil is thanking God that those nine years have been compensated, and he was given a new chance in life to develop his work and secure a better future.

sometimes, all a person needs to regain his balance in life is to turn the page of the past and start over.

This is what Rashid Al-Abdoun, 55 years old, has been trying to do for the past nine years, but unfortunately, life obstacles and the difficult conditions he was going through, have always blocked his way.

Rashid is married and has three children, Lina, Musa, and Issa. His main concern is to give his children the best possible care and get them to university, which was achieved despite all his troubles, as the three of them are now university students and achieving one of their father's greatest wishes.

Rashid’s situation was not always bad; before the war, Rashid had his own mini-market in Al-Dukhaniya area in the countryside of Damascus. His work was very good and for more than 13 years, he was able to provide his family with a good living, but unfortunately, two years after the start of the war, specifically in 2013, the militants entered Al-Dukhaniya area and wreaked terror, violence, and devastation which left Rashid with no choice but to flee out of the region leaving everything behind.

Despite his survival, he lost everything he owned and worked for in the past years and suddenly found himself jobless without any source of income to meet his expenses and obligations, that's when the journey of loss and misery started; Rashid wanted to do any kind of work but due to the dangerous conditions, he wasn't able to secure any good income, until he finally started working as an employee in a real estate office, but his low salary affected the family's situation.

He was trying hard to change this reality, but unfortunately, bad circumstances prevented him. Even after the end of the war, everything began to deteriorate more than before, and with the rise in prices, he found himself unable to fulfill his obligations and was praying for any glimmer of hope that would enable him to change his reality and start over.

Now, after supporting him with the mini-market project, Rashid finally found himself restoring his life balance and starting a new chart in his life with hope that this project will make a difference in this family's life.

For most of his life, Mousa Fares was struggling to support his family and keep them from need and poverty.

He is 38 years old and lives with his old parents and his brother in a 40-meter flat in Jaramana, yet he is always thankful to God for all the blessings in his life.

Before the crisis, Mousa was working at a beverages store in Jaramana and his income was enough to meet his household costs but during the war, two explosions happened in front of his shop which caused huge damage, and in the second one the damage was severe so they had to close the store.

Mousa didn’t hesitate to take a job at a travel office as an administrative employee and did the cleaning work as well to increase his income because his parents were old and sick while his younger brother was in military service. Unfortunately, a mortar shell exploded close to his office and he was hit by its fragments which took him more than three months to recover.

All of those calamities didn’t prevent Mousa from fighting to live in dignity; so he borrowed some money and started a perfume and gifts shop. Mousa used to open his store from the early morning to midnight seeking to improve his income but the coronavirus epidemic wasted all his efforts as there was a decrease in the purchasing capacity in addition to an increase in the prices of goods which made it impossible for him to renew his goods.

However, Mousa decided not to give up so he took a night shift at a supermarket after closing his shop, and for more than four months he had only 4 hours to sleep a day, but even with all that hard work, he was barely able to afford the house basics.

Mousa’s strong will to survive led him to apply at the Micro-project office and he was supported with the necessary goods and tools to enrich his shop and provide him with an opportunity to preserve his project and improve his living conditions.

Tolay Kashy is a 27-year-old woman, she is single and lives with her mother in an old and small flat in Kashkoul.

when she was only twelve, her father passed away after suffering from lung poisoning from an injury in the army, leaving her and her mother alone and without a supporter.

she saw her mother struggling for many years to provide the basic living needs and all she wanted was to help her, so as soon she became 18, she started working in the field of make-up and nail beauty and at the same time, she worked at a make-up factory to increase her income and help her mother with the living expenses.

since her childhood, Tolay was diagnosed of having lymphoma cancer and she went through a long journey of treatment, but this strong-willed woman didn't let her sickness stop her from standing by her mother and building her future so she started working from home and took a make-up course at Almaamoun institute to improve her skills.

she was full of determination to improve her condition and despite her modest capabilities and poor tools, she was able to have her own costumers due to her beautiful work and reasonable prices.

currently, she has little equipment and materials and needs support to expand and develop her business.

Tolay was fighting against the circumstances and kept praying to God for his great mercy so she applied to the micro project initiative full of hope to have the opportunity to improve her situation.

Now, after being financed with the make-up and nail beauty project, she is thanking God for this chance that will make a huge difference in her life.

Khalil Mikhail is 51 years old, married, and has three children, Antoun, Nicolas, and Marian. he was living with his family in Hineh village and working as a driver and worker in the municipality of Hineh. 

During his duty, he fell on his head from 6 meters high and needed 35 stitches to close his wound but as soon as he recovered, he returned to his hard work where he used to carry 150kg jute sacks of anise daily which affected him on the long-term and led to severe pains in his back and neck as he had to undergo Disk surgery at the expense of charities due to his bad financial situation.

however, during wartime, he moved with his family to live in Al-Dwallaa neighborhood in Damascus due to the difficult security situation in his village and the lack of services and transportation means but his bad health condition prevented him from doing hard jobs so his wife started to work as elderly’s caregiver in order to support him with the house rent and the living expenses until her health started to deteriorate and she had to undergo nerve operation with her both hands and couldn’t continue working which affected their financial situation.

In addition to all of that, Khalil had to support his elder son Antoun, who was called to the military service and is still serving not knowing when he would be released.

Khalil is currently working as a taxi driver for one of his relatives and sometimes he works as a laborer because the important thing to him is feeding his family, even at the expense of his health.

Khalil gathered his hope and applied for the taxi project putting his belief in God's great mercy.

and his faith was never disappointed as he was approved to be financed with the taxi project so he could be independent and have a sustainable income to improve his family's conditions.

"Every loss in life could be compensated except for health"

This is how Sohail Maydaa 44, expressed his tragedy

Sohail is married to Afaf Dheifo and has two adorable daughters Mariam and Ritta, he worked hard to secure them a decent living. Sohail's financial situation was not stable, but they were satisfied and thankful to God for everything in their life.

Unfortunately, the year 2012 had the greatest impact on this family, as the birth of his daughter Rita coincided with the survival of his daughter Mariam from a huge explosion that occurred in the Al-Qazzaz area while she was on her way to school. 

Although Mariam survived that incident, she witnessed horrors, fear, and dead bodies all over which affected her psychological situation, and she needed many therapy sessions to restore her strength, yet she refused to go back to school after that.  After a while, his newborn daughter, Rita, was diagnosed with autism, after which Sohail and his wife began a long journey of treatment and care in light of the cruel war and daily hardships.

Suhail worked for 20 years on a rented taxi, but during the war and due to  the expenses of his two daughters' treatments, the taxi income was no longer sufficient to meet all those obligations, so he started working in a restaurant a part-time shift additional to his work on the taxi and was striving to provide his family with the basic living demands.

Sohail applied for the taxi project, hoping that he will finally get his independence at work and get the opportunity to improve his income.

He is now focusing his efforts to work on his new taxi, especially after he was relieved of the high rent which will improve his living conditions and provide his daughters with the needed care.

Gaby Abou Samra is 45 years old, he is married to Christine Kassab and they have a son, Sharbel born in 2007, and a daughter Jouel born in 2010.

Before the war, Gaby and his family were living in a peaceful and secure environment because he was working as a plumber and sanitary supervisor, his workshop was in Almleiha area in the countryside of Damascus. 

Gabi was working hard and he had many customers which made him in a good financial situation.

however, all of that changed after the beginning of the war in Syria as Almleiha area was destroyed completely and Gaby was among the people who lost everything including his workshop and all of his equipment.

He found himself after many years of working, getting back to zero, with no tools and equipment to work, and his situation started to deteriorate rapidly.

He had no choice but to take other jobs so he worked on his friend’s Suzuki car for five years, then when his friend needed money, he sold the car which left Gaby jobless but he started working as a Valet parking employee in Bab Toma because as he said: 

“I don’t care what work to do, as long I am working in dignity and affording my family’s food and expenses”

Despite all his hard work, his income was barely meeting his living demands and they became in a critical financial situation but they didn’t let that weaken their faith and hope so they applied to the Micro-project program for the pickup truck.

Today, after the funding, Gaby is full of determination and enthusiasm to improve his situation and provide his family with the decent life they deserve.

Issam Heilaneh is 28 years old living with his mother and sister in a rented small flat in Jaramana, Damascus suburbs.

He used to live with his family in Heineh village, his father passed in 2007 after long suffering from heart disease leaving Issam responsible for his mother and sister.

Issam left school at a very young age and began to do any job available to afford his family's living expenses because they were living in a poor financial situation. During the years of war, their village became surrounded by armed groups from all borders and they became isolated and unable to go out with a lack of all living necessities such as electricity, water, and food products.

life in Heineh was getting hard year after year, and when he finished his baccalaureate and needed to continue his education, Issam decided to move to Jaramana with his mother and sister. He started to work at a cafe, then in 2018, he worked as a taxi driver paying a third of his profit to the taxi owner which made his income not enough to meet his living demands.

After applying for the taxi project and being funded, Issam started a new chapter in his life, as he is now the master of his work and with the new Taxi, he can work to increase his income and afford his mother and sister decent living.

Firas Al-Rasheed is an ambitious young man who did not allow the years of war to waste his life. Despite all the horrors of the war that he went through, he was determined to continue close to his family.

Firas' father was working as a janitor in the monastery of St. Ibrahim Al-Khalil in Kashkoul, he did his best to afford his family a decent living and educate his two sons.

when the security and economic conditions began to deteriorate, Firas decided not to continue his study and traveled to Lebanon where he started working as a driver to transport wood, and at the same time, worked at a carpentry workshop to save as much money as possible and support his parents.

When the war was about to end, he returned to Syria and started a mini-market in his neighborhood. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus epidemic came with quarantine, which affected the economic situation and prevented Firas from turning his capital and renewing his goods.

At the beginning of 2022, Firas got married and two months later, his flat was burnt including all his furniture and belongings in addition to having his face and hands burnt while trying to put off the fire, that incident was a great loss for Firas especially since his flat was rented and he had to pay for its renovation.

Firas had no choice but to sell his wife's gold jewelry to compensate for the losses, the couple moved to live at his parent’s house. He was determined to work and improve his living conditions so he applied for the taxi project hoping to have the opportunity to compensate for all his previous misfortunes. 

After having his own taxi, Firas now is working hard with hope to improve his income and secure decent living conditions for his wife and parents.

Amer Shehadeh is a 32-year-old young man, who lived within a humble family that used to work and support each other to continue in life.

since he was twenty, Amer didn't hesitate to do any work to help with the house demands; he worked as a cleaner and many other jobs to have additional income. unfortunately, the war broke down to end his endeavor, as he was called for military service where he spent more than a decade of his life serving in the most dangerous places.

During those years, he went through very difficult circumstances and suffered from hunger, and fear, in addition to living in constant danger daily. however, Amer has survived all of that putting all his hope in the mercy of God, with all faith that life will smile at him one day.

His main concerns were related to his elderly parents, who suffer from several diseases and although his brother was working in electrical maintenance, his income was barely enough to secure food and medicine.

In January 2022, Amer was finally discharged from the military service, he returned to his home feeling that he was born again, but during his service time, he didn't have the chance to gain experience or have any profession.

Amer was confused and didn't know where to start or what to do until one of his relatives told him about the Micro-projects program, and he immediately applied for the pick-up truck project, assuring that he still had the strength and determination to do any hard work to secure his livelihood and handle his parents' expenses.

Indeed, Life smiled at him, as he was financed with the pick-up truck project to start establishing his life and make up for the lost years, hoping that this brave young man will get a good income to secure a decent life for himself and his family.