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


702

Aleppo

704

Homs

324

Damascus

Metal Crafting Workshop


Jean had to fight against two massive obstacles in his life, the first was facing the harsh living conditions after the family house was damaged by a shell, and secondly, the health condition of his wife who is suffering from a neurological disease which only got worse after the shelling incident. 

The 58-year-old man is a father of three daughters, he was well known for his gold and silver crafting. Back in 1988, he and his brother owned a workshop. But...


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Silver Crafting


Karnig said:” Since my childhood, I loved to watch goldsmiths, and I was fascinated by their skills in practicing this elegant art, I aspired to become like them one day. Over time, I began to broaden my knowledge and develop my expertise in crafting. I was able to learn gradually with the help of one of my relatives. Now, I have been working in this profession for over 20 years.”

Karnig was well known for his skillful work in silver crafting....


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CNC Carving Machine


Raffi is one of the people who set a goal for himself and strive with all his energy and effort to achieve it and become a successful person.

This single man used to live with his mother but after the war started, she traveled abroad, while his sister and her family stayed with him after they were displaced by the shells. Unfortunately, his sister's husband passed away affected by all the fear and tension he went through. 

It all began in 1992 when Raffi...


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Car Electric Maintenance


Elias the owner of a car mechanics workshop who has been working in this field since 1985, gaining the skills and building good reputation in the industry. For two decades, Elias who is forty now has been the sole provider for his family who depended on him for their daily bread. 

Like any business this workshop was hit hard by the economy, Elias thought it was best to sell it and seek another opportunity abroad, but three months later he came...


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Sweets and Pastries


“Poverty matters when it’s related to the way of thinking, not to the financial situation…”

That’s how Garabet started his conversation…

This ambitious man did not let the hard conditions he faced stop him from following his dream and starting a lovely family, in addition, to initiating a job in Syria after years of living abroad.

Garabet lived in Lebanon for a long time, where he started his career as a sweets and pastries chef. Also, he worked for a Cinematography company, to...


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Blacksmithing workshop


Starting from scratch, losing his brother, serving in the military for four years, made being the sole provider for a whole family, seem nothing compared to all those agonies for Jamil. 

After he was discharged from the military. Jamil began taking care of his sick father, who was suffering from cancer for several years before losing his battle with illness. 

The death of his father and brother, those who were always supportive of him, caused him a big shock in his life....


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Hair and makeup salon


Like a broken record the struggle of Syrian families has been playing again and again for a long time now even though the armed fight is over but it seems that the collateral damage continues to put the remaining Hope out and diminishes the dreams of a brilliant future for people like Rita and her father Jack among many.

What a 10-year-old war can do to a small business is excruciating. Jack the 56 years old well experienced hairdresser saw his...


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Photography gear


It all began in 2014 when Moses, the father of Kaytana and Hagop, was walking back home late at night, making his way in pitch darkness, and suddenly fell into an 8m deep trench. the most frightening thing was the loss of his sight and knowing that if he would ever be rescued, he is going to be hospitalized to save his injured eye. Help was on the way, eventually Moses was thankful this nightmare ended, but he was still...


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Car body repair workshop


When a family business unites tow generations it strengthens the relationship between a father and a son on so many levels. 44 years old Kevork and his 82 years old father Avedis not only share not only a family name and heritage but a whole career journey as they both are experts in Car body repair.

Avedis taught his sons everything he knew about cars mentored them and passed the skills and the basic knowledge hoping that they will carry on...


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Car Inspection Device


The 34-years-old Yacoub spent most of his life building a career in car mechanics; from an early age, he worked in several workshops and attended many masterclasses to get acquainted with engines and latest methods, each and every step of the way, he learned new things adding to his growing experience. 

To achieve his goals, this fast-learning man worked in a specialized company which was sadly closed after one year because of the unstable situation in the country, but he did...


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Mini Pick-up Truck


"I thought I secured my family's future, but unfortunately, the war took away my work and savings, it left me with nothing” Georges spoke. 

It all began when Gorges took his family and fled from the war-stricken village, carrying only their clothes, leaving behind their home and their source of income.

Previously, Georges had his own house, land, and workshop, and everything was great until the war began; after being displaced in 2013, their first stop was Latakia. Georges was trying to find a job,...


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Car suspension workshop


After their house was destroyed by the shells, all Boghos' efforts to migrate with his family to a safer place failed. His only choice was to separate from his family which stayed in Aleppo and move to Lebanon and work in a car suspension workshop, a domain he is well experienced in. 

The Lebanese regulations for Syrian residents made it hard for Boghos to stay, he was obliged to come back to Syria with nothing but his 25 years worth experience...


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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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Sewing Machines


Manal, a skilled seamstress, faced challenges after leaving her job due to the war in Homs, because she couldn’t travel every day between her village Qattinah and Homs city. 

Determined to support her family, she turned to her sewing expertise; despite having old machines, she lacked the means to start her small business. 

With perseverance, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program. Today, thanks to this support, Manal has the tools she needs, with renewed hope, she stitches together a brighter days for her husband Bashar and their two children in Qattinah. 

Mini-Market


In Fairouza village, Nassouh and his wife Fahima work side by side, jointly managing a mini-market they established in 2020 to provide for their family. Their younger son seeks better opportunities in Lebanon, while the eldest, resides with them in the village. 

The mini-market offers a variety of food commodities and dairy products. Recently, their thriving business encountered a challenge when the refrigerator stopped due to an unreliable energy supply. The inadequate power led to the spoilage of numerous dairy products,...


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Mini-Market


Amany and Khalil, residents of Qattinah village, opened their mini-market back in 2005 in partnership with Khalil's brother, aiming to support their three daughters and son. 

In 2023, the couple had to take the full responsibility of the shop. Unfortunately, this weakened their capital, leading to a scarcity of goods and impacting their income. 

Desperate to save their livelihood, Amany turned to the Micro Projects Program and her application was approved, breathing new life into their mini-market. 

Now, restocked and thriving, the shop stands as their hope of securing a good life for their family. 

Olive, Almond, and Beans Land


In Qattinah village, Elias a farmer and family man, works tirelessly to provide for his wife and three children. 

Between the beans, olive, and almond trees in his precious land, he faced the challenge of soaring agricultural expenses, particularly the escalating costs of plowing that consumed his hard-earned profits. Being the sole provider, he juggled his time between farming and a mini-market job, just to ensure his family a dignified life.

The solution to this problem laid in having a mini-cultivator, an...


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Welding Workshop


Salim's life took a drastic turn with the outbreak of war in 2011. A skilled car mechanic with a thriving workshop in the industrial area of Homs, he owned a house in Al-Sabeel neighborhood and a car. However, when conflict forced Salim, his wife, and their three children to seek refuge in Al-Arman neighborhood, his stable life crumbled.

Jobless and facing the harsh reality of war, he resorted to selling his car for survival. As chaos intensified, their house in Al-Sabeel...


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Olive Land


Elias, a husband and father in the village of Qattinah, found himself facing financial strain as he and his wife, Nazha, worked tirelessly to provide for their family. With two sons living in Lebanon, he took on the responsibility of caring for their olive land. The cost of plowing weighed heavily on his shoulders, threatening their main source of livelihood.

Determined to overcome this challenge, Elias turned to the Micro Projects Program for support. Applying for a mini-cultivator proved to be...


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Hairstyling


Nidaa, a retired civil engineer, and her husband, a retired teacher, faced financial challenges as their two sons pursued university education. In 2016, she took a bold step to work in a hair salon, learning basic hairstyling skills. However, due to insufficient income and the inability to work independently, she left in 2020. 

With the deepening economic crisis, Nidaa, determined to contribute to her family's income, decided to utilize her hairdressing skills at home, operating with minimal tools, which proved challenging,...


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Floor Grinding and Polishing


Mamdouh and his wife Faten have faced many challenges since they were displaced from their home village, Al-Dwair, in 2013. With two children, they rebuilt their lives in Al-Arman neighborhood, residing in a rented apartment. 

The loss of their home, his job, car, and motorcycle were a devastating loss. He is a dedicated teacher since 1985, also had a career in floor grinding and polishing since 1976. However, his work was hampered by the lack of electricity and essential tools. The...


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Floor Grinding and Polishing


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

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


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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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Printing Center


Saadeh Nader, born in 1993, is married and residing in a rented house in Kashkoul with his parents.

Saadeh's professional journey began in the printing industry. Initially working in a print shop in Safita, he later ventured into freelance graphic design, harnessing his skills in graphic design from 2016 to 2020. Despite setbacks, including the closure of his father's marketplace, Saadeh remained resilient.

In 2020, he moved to Damascus and secured employment at Food Products Company, where he honed his graphic design...


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Griddle Sandwiches


Osama Dawod hails from the war-torn region of Al-Zabadani, where destruction marred the landscape, leaving his family's home in ruins, forcing them to leave due to escalating violence, and settle in Bloudan holding onto hope and resilience.

However, despite financial constraints hindering his education, Osama's determination never wavered. He worked tirelessly, learning how to make Western snacks and grilled meals.

During that period, he took on various jobs to support his household, from working as a kitchen assistant to packing relief supplies,...


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Hairdressing Salon


Youssef Halaweh was born in 1989 in Dwalaa, Damascus city, his father, once a photographer, planted in him a passion for artistic expression to become a talented hairdresser.

Youssef's career as a hairstylist began in 2010, initially focusing on women's hairdressing before transitioning to work as a hairstylist for presenters on television channels like Talaqi and Sama. Despite the professional success, his personal life was fraught with difficulty as his mother battled breast cancer and the financial condition of his family...


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Pick-up Car


Meneam Salloum's life was marked by hardships but with his strong determination he was able to rise above all the challenges he faced.

he is living in Al-Abbasein with his retired father and two brothers, and together they faced numerous setbacks from losing his mother to grappling with unstable security conditions during the crisis, but he never let circumstances define him. 

Before the war started, he was working at his own shoe-making workshop in Jobar, but after few months of the war,...


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Taxi


Rafy Al-Sahwy, born in 1982 and residing in Al-Dwalaa, faced numerous challenges in life. With his parents deceased and siblings married, he lived with his brother, striving to make ends meet. His journey through different jobs—from being a taxi driver to a private chauffeur and later distributing charcoal by bicycle—reflects his resilience amidst hardships.

The war and his father's illness forced Rafy to abandon his farming work at the village and return to live with his family in Damascus. Despite various...


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Photography Equipment


Jean Baghdady, born in 1997, lives with his family in Jaramana. His father, Antoun, works diligently as a maintenance worker at Saint Paul Monastery trying to put food on the table at the end of the day.

Jean's journey through work has been diverse; from volunteering at the UN in 2017 to becoming a photographer's assistant from 2018 until the present day, he has explored various professional avenues. Additionally, he has been employed as a receptionist at Alberto Monastery since 2021....


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Make-up Kit


Raneen Al-Eid is originally from Daraa, her journey took a turn when she shifted to Damascus to pursue her studies in commerce and economics back in 2010. However, her aspirations were rerouted as she got married in 2013.

Her husband worked in a cooling and refrigeration company, and he was trying his best to provide for his family but with the company closure, Raneen and her husband found themselves in the face of financial hardships.

With determination to support her family, Raneen...


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Taxi


Khalil Al-Assaf, 34, carried the weight of responsibilities on his young shoulders, anchored by the memories of his deceased father. His world orbited around his mother, and his siblings: a sister, born in 1986, a school teacher, and a brother, born in 1987, who dedicated himself to volunteer work at the Sacred Hearts.

His journey began during critical conditions as he was called for service in 2010, where he stayed until his discharge in 2020, scarred by shrapnel wounds rendering him...


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