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


716

Aleppo

713

Homs

332

Damascus

Sewing Workshop


When Fadi’s house was hit with a destructive weapon, the 43-years-old man took his mother Dalal and moved to Tartous city, to escape the death and horror that was everywhere in Aleppo. 

Fadi has always worked in the clothes manufacturing business in one way or another, first in 2004, he entered the domain as a salesman then when he gained good experience in it and moved to Tartous where he opened his own retail shop. Slowly his work grew and he...


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Metal Lathing Machine


Hanna, 35-years-old father of two has a long experience in heavy machinery maintenance. back in 2002, he met his employer and started learning about repairing machinery which requires knowledge of its working mechanism and at the same time how to fix and assemble any broken pieces. After nine years the war hit Syria, Hanna lost his job, and to be able to financially survive he started working in a local mall. After a while he decided to go to Lebanon...


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Laser Cutting machine


Bassil Faced all the harsh events in his life with great patience and resilience to make his long-deferred dreams come true.

In 2010, Bassil was called to serve his mandatory military service, but this period stretched for more than 5 years because of war. Due to his health condition, Bassil was discharged and was ready to go back to his life but unfortunately nothing remained the same after four years of war. Their house was damaged, and his job was lost.

Bassil...


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Sewing Machines


Rita’s family has suffered a lot during the war, their agony started in 2016, when she and her husband Hagop were injured by a mortar shell explosion. Rita’s healing process took more than four years to go back to normal again but the worse was Hagop’s situation, his injuries have caused permanent damage and he lost his leg and his hand was hurt too. 

Hagop, who used to be the main provider of the household, lost his ability to work. In...


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Sandwich Shop


For thirty years, Jebran Andrawos or “Abou Antoun” as everyone knows him has been diligent to offer his customers the best and most delicious food. His days used to start early with preparing his fresh ingredients, open his shop in Bustan Al-Basha and welcome his customers with hospitality and generosity. Jebran’s life was quiet and peaceful. His customers from all around the industrial neighborhood, would stop by his shop to enjoy his delicious food and chat with Jebran. And after...


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Dental Laboratory


After his father’s illness, Nazaret had to carry great responsibilities such as caring for his father’s treatment costs, caring for his elderly mother, as well as repairing his house, which was severely damaged by the falling shells. Unfortunately, Nazaret’s father passed away, leaving his wife and son face the unknown future in times of war. 

Although Nazaret outlived the hardest days of war with minimal damage, but the financial difficulties prevented him from upgrading his business as he has long experience...


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Plumbing Equipment


Besides the devastating direct effects of war, there are other collateral damages that the war caused not many of people are aware of, like losing several crafts. This is what happened to Pierre. 

Pierre used to work in heating systems installation and maintenance, he and his brother shared a shop and each of them was specialized in different services, Pierre was specialized in radiators, while his brother was a plumber. But by 2011 their shop’s location became under heavy fires, and...


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Hairdressing kit


When it came to choosing his profession, Aboud made his decision a long time ago when he started working in several beauty salons while still young. Aboud was enthusiastic, ready to learn and eager to be a well-known hairdresser. His dreams were big and his ambitions were high but, unfortunately, the war had put him still. In 2015, to escape the dangers of Aleppo, Aboud and his parents went to Marmarita for couple of weeks only to extend their stay...


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Taxi


One of the biggest challenges that face young individuals like Elias is the lack of resources and opportunities to build a career or prosper in a country beaten by war. 

Elias is 27 years old, who worked for a long time in office for driving licenses issuing. Although, it was a little far from his academic studies in the mechanical engineering institute, Elias’s job has made him closely knowledgeable about cars, and driving in general.

Being the sole provider of his family,...


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Arts and wooden crafts


Art has always been a huge part of Fadi’s life, it is a talent which he recognized and tried to develop specially that it became the thing that made him endure the toughest times of his life, when he was living far from his family in Latakia, Fadi sought out a mentor to teach him about Iconography and he started to have regular learning sessions in a monastery. Fadi indulged in painting and perfected his skills and slowly turned what...


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Espresso shop


It wasn’t easy for the 55-years-old Edgar, the father of two daughters; Evon and Joelle to lose his rubber-molding workshop, machines and all equipment, when armed groups entered the area where his workshop was located and he found himself unemployed with no clue about what the future would be like for his family who completely depend on him for their income. 

Edgar didn’t have the luxury of taking much time thinking, he had to act fast and find a financial solution...


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Pick-up Truck


Yousef is 31 years old, father of "Abed" a lovely young boy. The former combat veteran most promising years were stolen from him when he was assigned in Damascus then later in Aleppo, to serve his reserve duty in war. The cruel experiences he went through had an unforgettable mark on Yousef’s life, but what will always stay in his memory is the multiple injuries he was exposed to in 2016, when the building he was assigned in was targeted...


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Wrapping Materials


Hala faced unforeseen challenges when her husband's health forced him to quit his carpentry profession after the couple's life took a tragic turn in 2013 when the car leasing office, where he had invested, was eaten up by flames. The devastating loss led to a heart attack, rendering him incapable of work.

Undeterred, Hala transformed a room in their home into a Wrapping Materials Shop, determined to secure a stable income. As the sole provider and a modest pension on the horizon, Hala's shop ensures a dignified living and financial stability after being through many hardships. 

Housewares Shop


Karima, a devoted wife and mother of two boys in Qattinah village, faced some challenges when she had to close her housewares shop in 2022 due to insufficient stock. Her husband, Yamen, works diligently at the phosphate plant, but their family needed additional support to thrive. 

With determination, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program to strengthen her shop and enhance their living conditions. As her sons pursue their education, she aims to provide them with a nurturing environment while supporting her husband's efforts. 

Through the program's aid, Karima's hard work shines as she strives to build a better future for her family, overcoming all the obstacles together. 

Wheat and Vegetables Land


In the village of Qattinah, Ghazwan and Sabah, hardworking parents of 2 sons, strive to provide for their family. With modest incomes, Ghazwan, hailing from a lineage of farmers, inherited his father's land. Yet, the lack of a water pump rendered the well useless, and the soaring costs of plowing drained their earnings.

But hope sprouted when assistance arrived. A newfound water pump revitalized their land, ensuring efficient irrigation. Additionally, the mini-cultivator promised enhanced productivity, paving the path for bountiful seasons ahead. With these tools in hand, he can nurture his land, securing a brighter future for his family.

Potatoes, Corn, & Wheat Land


Fadi is married with two children, he cherishes the simplicity of life alongside his aging parents. Enduring a two-year struggle with liver inflammation and diabetes, he found stability, embracing gratitude for his family and health.

Specialized in pastry making, a skill acquired in Lebanon, he operates a modest shop with his wife. He also works in farming with an arable land. He worked hard to enhance productivity year-round. However, lacking a water pump and motor hindered his ambition, limiting cultivation to...


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Olive and Almond Land


Sami, the head of a family of four in Qattinah village, struggled with the financial burden of farming. As both a dedicated employee and a farmer with olive and almond trees, he faced challenges plowing his land and providing essential treatments due to high equipment rental costs. Undeterred, he sought help from the Micro Projects Program.

He secured a mini-cultivator and a spraying pump. This invaluable support not only alleviated the strain of expensive tractor rentals but also empowered him to...


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Wheat and Vegetables Land


Majed, a hard-working farmer in Qattinah village, supports his wife and five children. His agricultural land, cultivated with wheat and vegetables, faced a crucial challenge; the worn-out irrigation system. With two water wells on his property equipped with the needed water pumps, insufficient irrigation network threatened his family's livelihood. 

He applied to the Micro Projects Program, as the sole breadwinner, his land is the family's lifeline. The program's assistance made a transformation in his land, renovating the irrigation system. His fields flourished, securing a bountiful harvest. Now, with improved conditions, Majed ensures a stable future for his family.

Coffee Shop


Mirna and Suleiman manage together a Coffee and Chocolate shop, which serves as their family's lifeline. Despite Mirna's role as a dedicated school teacher and Suleiman's commitment to his employment, their journey wasn’t easy. .

These tough circumstances led Mirna to seek assistance from the Micro Projects Program, because even with having a coffee grinder and freezer, the shop remained in need for goods due to the huge inflation.

 With the support, the shop's inventory was restored, ensuring shelves filled with delights. Now, with renewed optimism, they continue to serve their community, and ensure their three children a better living. 

Clothes Shop


Displaced from Homs in 2012, Rasha and Elie found safety in Fairouza village, rebuilding their lives from scratch. Elie is a carpenter while Rasha runs a clothing shop she opened back in 2015 and they are the parents of 2 lovely children. 

Rasha's once-thriving shop struggled to meet clients' demands, jeopardizing their stability. She turned to the Micro Projects Program, seeking a lifeline for her small business, the provided support was a beacon of hope for the family.

With the assistance, she revitalized her shop, stocking new styles, reclaiming her foothold in the market. Now, her shop sustains her family in Fairouza village, amidst the rubble of the tough past, the family is building a better future.

Mini-Market & Dairy Products


Fania's life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Bassam, fell ill, leaving him unable to provide for their family. With a studying son to support, her mother-in-law, and her husband's health deteriorating, Fania knew she had to act fast. 

Determined to secure a future for her family, she seized the opportunity presented by their small shop. With hope, She applied for assistance from the Micro Projects Program, seeking support to stock shelves, buy a refrigerator, and purchase goods to transform...


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Cosmetics Shop


Sawsan, a wife and mother of two, faced the challenges of her husband's tiring profession in stone cladding, which took a toll on his health. Despite the hardships, he persevered, as there seemed to be no alternative. Witnessing his struggles, Sawsan decided to take matters into her own hands to support their family.

However, fate had other plans when she suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to work or exert herself. Determined to find a solution, she wanted to open a...


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Coffee Shop


After her husband's tragic death, Rimonda became the sole provider for their four children. Working for 8 years in a local coffee and sweets shop, she faced another blow when the shop owner decided to close it. Determined to secure a stable income for her family, she discovered the Micro Projects Program.

Realizing this could be her long-awaited opportunity, she envisioned establishing her own project, especially considering their village, Qattinah, had no other coffee shops. Rimonda applied for a coffee shop that would offer fresh coffee, chocolates, and juice. 

Fortunately, her project was approved, now, as an independent micro-business owner, Rimonda has not only created a source of income for her family, but also ensured a dignified life for them.

Electronic Devices Maintenance


Adnan, a retired electronic engineer living in Fairouza village, faced financial challenges after retirement, relying solely on a modest pension to support his family. Undeterred, he turned to his lifelong passion for electronic devices maintenance, a skill he cultivated since 1995. However, his work was hindered by the severe lack of electricity in his area and the absence of a suitable chair for his tasks.

Adnan, being the sole provider for his eighth-grade son, improved his work when a solar power...


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Blacksmithing Workshop


Samaan Ashkar, a blacksmith whose life tells the tale of resilience against all odds.

From his humble beginnings in Kashkoul, Samaan started working as a blacksmith where he faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and the loss of his beloved family members, but Samaan's spirit remained unbroken.

In 2003, he decided to relocate to Dubai and try his luck there, he worked in various capacities and experienced both triumphs and tribulations. However, with all the setbacks and financial strains that he went...


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Manufacturing Thermal Ovens


Elias Al-Ghabra is one of the minorities who are still interested in preserving the family profession as he began working in the field of manufacturing convection ovens with his father at a young age in a rental workshop in Jaramana and continued in the filed alongside his study.

The main field of work is manufacturing thermal ovens based on gas after the electric ovens stopped being demanded due to the terrible electricity situation in the country, their work increased and they...


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Taxi


Hanna Al-Ajoury 31, resides with his parents and brother Jack, their father, who was employed at the Gas station for 13 years but is currently without work. His brother works as an employee while their other brother, Marhaf, has relocated to Germany.

Before the war, he had worked at his cousin's beverage shop in Zabadani for two years until 2011 when he was called for military service for the next nine years. however, during his military service, he also worked alongside...


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Make-up Kit


Anastasia Haddad born in 1998, was working diligently as a makeup artist and nail technician, living with her sister Taj in a rented flat in Jaramana after the divorce of her parents as they found solace in each other's company, forming a bond of strength amidst adversity.

Anastasia and Taj's childhood was marked by tumultuous family complications leaving scars that only time could heal. Yet, their determination to carve a brighter future fueled their aspirations and their talents blossomed despite all...


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Pick-up car


George Eskeif, 33 is living alone in a sparsely furnished house in Jaramana while his heart remains tied to his family in Lebanon.

His family's relocation from Idlib to Damascus due to his father's health issues marked a turning point in their lives. George, then a student, saw himself shouldering the responsibility of their household while his father pursued medical treatment in Lebanon.

After completing his military service in 2019, George found himself with no education or experience, so he started working...


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Taxi


Murhaf Al-Maher 62, is married to Nada Sankari, and the father of two daughters and son. Despite his age and recent health issues, including lung inflammation, Murhaf remained determined to work. His dedication stemmed not just from financial necessity but from a sense of pride in providing for his family and with no hesitation he also supported his daughters; Souryana, while she was pursuing a medical degree, and Rima, who became a music teacher.

In recent years, with his wife's medical...


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Hairdressing Salon


Despite life's challenges, Elein Zghaib 28, remained steadfast in her pursuit of a better future. She lives with her family in Jaramana, her father is employed at the Ministry of Education, her mother tends to the household, and her sister, born in 2002, is skilled in nail care and beauty care. Their familial bond was a source of strength as they faced life's adversities together.

Before the crisis, Elein and her family were living in their ancestral home in Dweileh, but...


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Taxi


Mufeed Hejazy, 28, lives with his family in a rented house in Dwallaa. His household consisted of his parents, his elder brother, who works at a goldsmith workshop, and his unemployed sister. Mufeed himself had volunteered for a charitable project in 2020 then he worked at a cosmetic company for two years until it closed. 

Mufeed and his family faced numerous hardships during the crisis in Syria, including his father suffering with chronic bronchitis which was very costly so they sought...


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Photography Equipment


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

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


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Pick-up Truck


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

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


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Nail Care & Beauty Salon


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

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

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


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Blacksmith Workshop


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

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

Reineh was yearning to...


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