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.

Imad Aldeen, a devoted father, faced many challenges in his life, yet his unwavering determination and love for his family kept him going. After his retirement in 2012 from a government job, the outbreak of war in 2011 left him without employment for two long years. But Imad refused to give up. In 2014, he opened a mini-market to provide for his three daughters, who were all pursuing their university education.

However, tragedy struck the family once more when Imad's beloved wife lost her courageous battle with cancer in 2017. Overwhelmed with grief, Imad was left to shoulder the responsibility of raising their daughters alone.

To compound their difficulties, the country was gripped by a severe economic crisis, which had a profound impact on his ability to procure an adequate supply of goods and commodities for his shop. The dwindling income added to the mounting pressures on him to provide for his family and support his daughters' education.

Realizing that he needed assistance, he turned to the Micro Projects Program, a beacon of hope for individuals like him who were striving to sustain their livelihoods. With a glimmer of optimism, he applied for support, hoping it would provide the boost he needed.

Months later, he received the news he had been eagerly awaiting. His application had been accepted, and he was supported. The Micro Projects Program provided him with the necessary resources and support to strengthen his mini-market's inventory and improve its sustainability.

The impact was almost immediate. Imad's shop began to flourish, attracting more customers and generating increased revenue. With his small business revitalized, he could now provide for his daughters with greater ease and ensure they could continue their education without financial burdens.

Mohannad's life took an unexpected turn when he left his home in Syria, to work in Lebanon. For five years, he worked in a dental laboratory and in the field of food delivery services. However, in 2017, he decided to return to his beloved country, hoping to find stability.

Upon his return, he purchased a taxi, determined to build a career. For two years, he devoted himself to this job. Unfortunately, personal circumstances arose, forcing him to sell his vehicle and find an alternative means of livelihood.

 Undeterred by setbacks, Mohannad opened a small vegetable shop, trying to make ends meet. However, this shop did not provide a sufficient source of income, and he closed it after a while. Driving remained his passion and primary source of income. To continue his profession, he resorted to borrowing cars from friends, relying on his extensive network and connections throughout Homs city.

Realizing the need for a more sustainable solution, he turned to the Micro Projects Program for assistance, hoping to revive his former career.

Mohannad, a married man and a father of a baby girl, lived with his small family in a house provided by the church. To support themselves, both Mohannad and his wife, Tahani, worked within the church building, striving to provide for their needs.

With great anticipation, his application to the Micro Projects Program was approved. This remarkable opportunity brought renewed hope into his life. Mohannad received support to purchase a taxi, reigniting his passion for driving and restoring his ability to earn a living.

Elia and his wife, Lilian, shared a life filled with love and dreams for the future. He completed eight years of mandatory military service, and despite his dedication, finding suitable employment proved to be a daunting task, leaving the couple in a state of uncertainty.

He tried his hand in various fields, hoping to secure a stable income for their growing family. Unfortunately, none of these opportunities provided the financial security they needed. In a stroke of luck, he found temporary employment working on someone else's truck. The job offered a glimmer of hope as his vast network of relationships enabled him to excel in this role. However, his newfound stability was short-lived when the truck's owner unexpectedly took back the vehicle.

Determined to overcome their circumstances, Elia realized they needed a more sustainable solution. Fueled by their shared dreams, he decided to become a personal unlicensed athletic trainer to support their family's needs. It was a challenging path, but Elia and Lilian faced it together, with their unwavering love and support strengthening their resolve.

Recognizing the need for a breakthrough, he turned to the Micro Projects Program, seeking the support necessary to purchase his own mini pick-up truck. The couple's hope soared as they envisioned a future where they could create a better life for themselves. Their dream was not just about financial stability but also about creating a solid foundation for their family to grow.

Elia's application was met with approval. With the help of the program, he acquired the mini pick-up truck that would forever change their lives.

Through the Micro Projects Program, he not only gained financial independence but also laid the foundation for a secure and loving home for their growing family. With Lilian's unlimited support by his side, Elia's story is a reminder that love, hope, and resilience can overcome even the most challenging circumstances, paving the way for a brighter future.

Bashar, a hardworking farmer from Al-Maamoura village, has always strived to provide for his family. Married to Maryam, they lived with his mother and his brother. In addition to his farming project, Bashar also ran a modest grocery shop, ensuring multiple sources of income for his family.

One of his main challenges was his almond tree plantation, which he started three years ago. To maintain the health and productivity of his trees, he needed to water them four times a month. However, the cost of renting a tanker for irrigation purposes was a burden on his finances. Determined to find a more sustainable solution, he applied for a water tanker.

The water tanker would not only assist him in irrigating his land but also enable him to spray pesticides and fertilizers effectively. This would greatly enhance the health and yield of his almond trees, leading to improved profits for his family. Bashar had been relying on his uncle's tractor to transport water from the village's main well, situated near the church.

To make his dreams a reality, Bashar sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program. His application was approved for support to purchase a water tanker. This support would relieve him of the burden of renting a tanker, allowing him to save the family's financial resources.

With the water tanker, his almond trees will thrive. They will grow strong and healthy, bringing abundant harvests year after year. The increased income from his almond production, will couple with the success of his grocery shop, bringing stability and prosperity to Bashar's household and although Bashar's father was still missing after being kidnapped during the war, the support he received from the Micro Projects Program filled his heart with new hope. 

Imad's life took an unexpected turn when he had to put his dreams on hold to serve his mandatory military service. Little did he know that this decade-long commitment would reshape his perspective and set him on an extraordinary path.

From 2011 to 2020, Imad served his country, throughout this arduous period, he faced numerous dangers and sustained injuries that left him longing for stability and a chance to build a brighter future. 

His need for a new direction, made him focus on finding a source of livelihood. However, lacking a specific profession, he faced significant challenges in finding viable opportunities to secure a stable income. Undeterred, he hatched a plan that would change his life for the better.

With his brother's aluminum workshop already thriving, Imad realized that combining his sibling's expertise and extensive network of craftsmen acquaintances would provide him with work opportunities.

He applied for a mini pick-up truck through the Micro Projects Program, his application highlighted his desire to establish a sustainable source of income by leveraging his brother's workshop and expanding their collective reach. The mini pick-up truck would serve as a vital asset, enabling him to transport goods efficiently and access work opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

With the mini pick-up truck Imad wasted no time in putting his plans into action. He began collaborating with his brother, utilizing their combined skills and connections to seize promising work opportunities. 

Imad's journey, from soldier to thriving entrepreneur, reminds us that resilience, determination, and a helping hand can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. As he continues to pave his own way forward, Imad serves as a beacon of hope for his family and an inspiration to others pursuing their dreams.

Elia's mini-market, established in 2017, was his endeavor to secure a better future for his wife and four children. Recognizing the need for additional income, Elia's wife supported him in managing the shop while he fulfilled his responsibilities as a government employee.

However, Elia soon realized that his sole source of income was insufficient to sustain a decent living. The rising prices of goods and commodities posed a significant hurdle, as his limited financial resources hindered his ability to restock the shop adequately. A shortage of essential items threatened the livelihood of his family and jeopardized the growth of his business.

In search of a solution, Elia applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance to overcome his financial constraints. He understood that accessing this program could provide him with the necessary resources to revitalize his shop. One particular aspect caught his attention; the opportunity to install a solar power system to operate an ice cream freezer.

This revelation ignited a spark of hope within Elia. He envisioned how this innovative addition to his shop would attract customers, especially in the simple popular area where it was located. With the prospect of offering frozen treats to the residents of the neighborhood, he foresaw a positive change that could bolster his small business.

His determination paid off when he was selected as a beneficiary of the Micro Projects Program. With the support received, he restocked his shop, ensuring a steady supply of goods and commodities. Moreover, the installation of the solar-powered ice cream freezer brought newfound excitement and increased footfall to his shop.

Elias is a single man with a deep sense of responsibility. Living with his mother, he takes on the role of the sole provider for their household. Inheriting his father's mini-market in 2016, he found himself responsible for running a business and supporting his family. Despite the challenges, he remained steadfast in his determination to create a better future for himself and his loved ones.

While managing the mini-market, Elias also aspired to pursue a bachelor's degree in law. He recognized the importance of education in achieving his goals and desired to broaden his knowledge and skills. However, the financial burdens he faced made it increasingly difficult to manage both work and study. After the sudden loss of his father, he found himself with no other option but to dedicate most of his time to the mini-market.

Feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities, Elias decided to apply for the Micro Projects Program. He saw it as an opportunity to alleviate the growing financial strain and improve his business prospects. With the support of the program, he aimed to increase the variety and quantity of goods and commodities available in his mini-market. By doing so, he hoped to attract more customers, boost sales, and ultimately enhance his profits.

The Micro Projects Program provided him with the necessary support to expand his inventory. He stocked his shelves with a wider selection of products, catering to the diverse needs of his community. As a result, customers began flocking to his mini-market, drawn by the increased options and competitive prices.

The program not only uplifted Elias's business but also had a profound impact on his personal life. The improved sales and profits allowed him to better support his mother and provide for their household. 

Elias, a husband and father of three, had opened his mini-market in 1987, which had been the sole source of livelihood for his family. His children had all gotten married, leaving him and his wife as empty nesters, relying on the income from the mini-market. However, a series of events took a toll on Elias and his business.

Initially, his son worked as a chef, but he found himself unemployed, making the mini-market the family's sole source of income. Tragedy struck when Elias suffered a debilitating stroke, leading to a financial crisis for the family. In order to make ends meet, he was forced to sell the shop where his mini-market was located. Determined to continue his business, he rented the same shop back from the new owner.

Though Elias faced immense challenges, he refused to be defeated. With sheer determination, he completed his treatment and made a remarkable recovery, enabling him to return to running his micro project. Despite the setback, his indomitable spirit shone through as he resumed his role as the heart and soul of the mini-market.

However, due to the market situation, fluctuating prices, and the impact of his health crisis, the variety of goods and commodities in Elias's shop dwindled. Realizing the need to revive his small business, he applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance to rejuvenate his shop.

Among the products he sells, Elias has a coffee grinder, which is a unique selling point of his mini-market, offering customers freshly ground coffee. This special touch has always created a welcoming atmosphere and helped draw people to his shop.

His story is a testament to his unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Although he experienced a stroke that had a significant impact on his business, he refused to give up. Through his tenacity and the support of the Micro Projects Program, Elias aspires to revitalize his mini-market, once again providing a wide range of goods to his community.

As Elias continues his journey to recovery, his story serves as an inspiration to others. With resilience and a strong work ethic, he strives to rebuild his thriving business and support his family. 

Residing in a rented apartment in the Al-Hamidia neighborhood with his retired parents, Wafa deeply understands the value of hard work and perseverance. Having fulfilled his duty in the mandatory military service from 2010 until 2018, he embarked on a new adventure in 2019 by taking a bold step and opening his own perfume shop in Al-Hamidia.

However, running a shop presented its own share of challenges. Wafa quickly realized that the high prices of materials, particularly essential oils for perfumes, posed a significant obstacle to maintaining a steady supply and meeting the demands of his customers. Yet, undeterred by this setback, he refused to let it dampen his spirit. He resolved to take on additional work as a videographer, utilizing his skills to augment his income and provide further support for his shop.

With determination to overcome the financial hurdles he encountered, he made the decision to apply for assistance through the Micro Projects Program. Recognizing the program as an opportunity to enhance his shop, he sought support in improving his business operations. Wafa envisioned a future where his perfume shop would thrive, attracting customers from both near and far.

He yearned to provide them with stability, security, and opportunities they had long deserved. By establishing a flourishing perfume shop and securing financial stability, Wafa aimed to create a solid foundation upon which his family could thrive, realizing their own dreams and ambitions.

George, a floor tiler with over three decades of experience in his field, has weathered the storms of life, including the hardships of war. However, one incident left a lasting impact on him. During the chaos of the war, he suffered a significant setback when a part of his equipment was stolen from a construction site. It was a devastating blow as the stolen item was an essential component of his work.

Driven by the motive of providing for his family and rebuilding his livelihood, he applied to the Micro Projects Program. His primary requirement was an electric generator, crucial for his work, which heavily relied on a reliable source of energy. Without one, he had to resort to renting, incurring exorbitant expenses. Additionally, he needed to replace and renovate his other tools and equipment that had worn down over time.

With the help of the Micro Projects Program, he acquired a new electric generator, ensuring a consistent power supply for his projects. Furthermore, he was able to replace his tools, allowing him to continue his work efficiently.

This assistance brought a wave of relief and optimism to George's life. With his revitalized equipment, he could once again focus on his craft with renewed vigor, ensuring a better income for his small family.

Jihad and Adla, a hard-working couple with two young children, found themselves facing financial struggles in their modest life. Both government employees with limited salaries, were determined to provide a better future for their family. In 2016, Jihad took a leap of faith and opened a mini-market in the hopes of boosting their income.

However, their business faced challenges from the outset. The economic crisis gripping the country led to a continuous increase in prices, making it difficult for the small business to thrive. As the family's breadwinner, Jihad felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders. He knew he needed support to keep his small business running, especially with strong competitors in the area.

He came across the Micro Projects Program, a beacon of hope in their darkest times. He gathered all the necessary documents and submitted an application, hoping to secure the assistance they needed.

Months passed, and just when Jihad had started to lose hope, he received the long-awaited news. The Micro Projects Program had approved his application, providing him with the much-needed support to continue his journey.

The mini-market flourished under Jihad's diligent management, and with the support of the Micro Projects Program, the small family found hope, stability, and the means to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Rami started his iron lathing workshop in 2003. As a skilled craftsman, he had learned the trade in Lebanon, honing his skills from 1994 until he finally became an independent worker. With a family to support, he took on the role of the sole breadwinner, striving to provide for his wife and two children.

However, the aftermath of the war had brought a new set of challenges for him and other craftsmen. The electricity supply became severely disrupted, with frequent power outages and unpredictable rationing. This dire situation had a profound impact on all aspects of life, including Rami's small business.

Undeterred by the difficult circumstances, he made every effort to adapt to the unreliable power supply. He resorted to working during the limited hours when electricity was available, often toiling away until the late hours of the night. Despite his determination, these makeshift solutions were not sufficient to sustain his business and maintain a steady income for his family.

Recognizing the need for a reliable source of electricity, he decided to seek assistance from the Micro Projects Program. He believed that securing a generator would alleviate his struggles and enable him to work without interruption. With renewed hope, he submitted an application, sharing his story and the pressing challenges he faced.

The Micro Projects Program recognized his dedication and the impact such support could have on his livelihood. his application was approved, providing him with the necessary support to purchase an electric generator for his workshop.

The day the generator arrived was a moment of great joy and relief for Rami. With the new equipment in place, his workshop buzzed with life, unaffected by the unreliable grid power. He could now focus on his craft and fulfill orders without worrying about frequent disruptions. The steady flow of work brought stability to his income, easing the burden of financial responsibilities.

Thanks to the Micro Projects Program, Rami overcame the challenges posed by the inadequate electricity supply and guaranteed a thriving business. He will provide a stable future for his children and ensure a brighter tomorrow for his family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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