in His life and career, Salem always saw a remodel in his father. and that reflected on his life from an early age as he Starting his career at young age, he helped his father who used to drive a forklift truck and learned from him how the machine worked to later become an employee for the same business owner for many years.

Salem started officially working in 1993, earning 25% for each transportation payment, and during the war and the deteriorating economic situation and the high prices, he was struggling to survive, especially that the neighborhood where he lived was damaged due to the shells, and an organization had to help him do the repairs. their financial situation was tight and the even his wife started taking orders and cooking food at home to help support her husband. 

years passed by and the business owner passed away, but it wasn't until the owner's family decided to sell this forklift that Salem's livelihood was jeopardized.

 And since Salem has gained enough experience and has many customers, private companies and factories he didn't want to give up all of that just because he didn't own a forklift and couldn't purchase one of his own due to its high price.

Salem needed help, his appplication for a project was his last chance for keeping his livelihood, for this forklift truck driver not a lot of options were left fto keep his job, unless someone help him buy his own truck.

Through the support he had, he was able to save his career by purchasing the same forklift he used to work on for years. 

Gabi has always been a good father who depends on himself to meet his family's daily requirements and who is always looking after his three young son, George, Fadi, and Elias, two of whom are now serving in the military.

They are one of Al-Sheikh Maqsood families, who have been displaced from their houses to a safer one because of the shells that destroyed their houses. One of the biggest shocks their family went through was after they tried to return home, all the destruction and the loss of belongings they saw. Even though theiy wanted to go back but it was uninhabitable. With the church's help though now they are settled back in their home after equipping it with barely essential furniture pieces that were purchased in debt.

career-wise, Gabi used to work as a guard in several facilities such as restaurants, clinics, and residential buildings, but due to the war, after the people's emigration, and the evacuation of homes and buildings, he was no longer able to work in this profession. In 2013, he began working in a private hospital, transporting patients to surgery rooms and other tasks. Only one job with a modest salary won't support a family of five, knowing that made Gabi's wife work as a caregiver for elderlies.

What is interesting about this family's story, is that no matter how hard life could be, they have the power the be resilient, the determination to make it work even if they had to take a third job, an additional source of income.

Gabi and his wife, have put enormous effort to pull their project off; their cleaning supplies shop is their way to hang on to Hope and they are sparing no means to make it work. their idea is backed up with a solid market study as the couple noticed a gap in the market for detergent wholesale shop and decided to take the chance and hope for the best. 

They came to the Hope Center believing that their project would be supported and it would give them the chance to provide a better income for them without needing any help and providing this shop with all the needed supplies will cover the clients’ needs of these products, especially that it is located in a popular neighborhood.

Samir, 43 years old, has two beautiful daughters, Yara and Miriam.

 Since he started his career in gold crafting, he has been trying to be distinguished for his good work. After earning two-years of experience, in 2002, his ambition has driven him to travel to Abu Dhabi, to expand his knowledge and skills.

Upon his return, he decided to use this experience and initiate his own business in his workshop jointly with his brother, so the two brothers started working together until the beginning of the war. Unfortunately, the emigration of most of his customers prompted him to close his workshop after the work deteriorated and became weak.

He didn't know what his next step would be, so he decided to reopen his workshop but as a supermarket this time because it was the perfect job at that time, hoping to one day return to his main career.

Due to the hard economic situation, the market's income wasn't enough to support two families at the same time, even his wife's teaching job did not make much of a difference. 

In 2018 Samir couldn't take it no more, he decided to resume his goldsmithing career but due to the lack of demand for gold and the fact that his equipment were all gone, he had no choice but to work in a silver crafting workshop.

After three years, when his employers workshop was about to close, Samir was searching for a glimpse of hope, he tried to come out of it stronger, he simply didn't want to give up and as one door closed for Samir a new opportunity has risen with the micro-project support.

With the aid of the Hope Center, and the help of his friend who lent him his workshop for free, Samir was able to establish his own workshop and make his way through life with all the Hope and determination.

Pain is part of life, Suffering is an option. When suffering happens, it forces us to confront life in a different way. We have to learn how to adapt to difficulties so the most stressful parts of our lives are no longer the most significant parts of our lives.

this are wise words Jirayr lives by every day. He is an ambitious young man, who adapted to all the circumstances he faced and turned them into opportunities.

Living on the verge of poverty, even Jirayr's mother couldn't afford living a quiet life of retirement, but rather she has to work as a cleaner in a hospital, and prepare meal and groceries from home for Jirayr to distribute.

Jirayr started working when he was only thirteen, he was a blue-color worker in a rubber molding workshop until he became 20, when he had to join the military service for two years. Later he got back to the same profession and stayed in this domain till now as a worker.

Life became so hard, and as his mother is getting older she will eventually retire, and Jirayr will be the lonely provider for this family, and with his modest salary he knows that it will be struggle.

So, he applied to the Hope Center, hoping to use his great experience to initiate his own business, become an owner of an independent rubber molding workshop, it won't only enhance his livelihood and income but also will allow his  mother to finally retire after all the years of hard work.  

Shoushig and her husband Leon, saved each penny to achieve their dream of having an apartment of their own and raise their two lovely kids Titar and Mardo.

But the war forced them to give up on this apartment, and search for another one in a safe area, and far from the shells.

Her husband works as a driver, and to help him with the family livelihood, in 2012, Shoushig started working as a make-up artist from home. First she attended a specialized course in all beauty sections (makeup, nail care, and skincare) and she gained a good experience and over the years the number of her clients kept increasing. 

The income from this profession is good, but all her kit has become old and not useful anymore, and at the same time she cannot replace her outdated tool kit because of the high prices.

So Shoushig applied to the Hope center, seeking support that could improve her work and her income. it will be so empowering for shushig, the ambitious makeup artist, to be able to upgrade her business and continue her career prosperously.

Losing a parent is something nearly everyone goes through at some point in their lives, but the hardest thing is when that loss comes early, like what happened with Fadi after the death of his father, he was very young, grieving and responsible of his older pharmacist brother. 

While the economic situation in Syria went into a breakdown, securing livelihoods became harder. Fadi and his brother had to take care of their mother, who was a retired teacher at the university.

He started working in an optics shop in 2006 as an employee and then served in the military for two years between 2008-2010. After that, he got back to his work in the same optics shop until 2015, but unfortunately, the employer migrated and the shop was closed.

After achieving sufficient experience in this field, he decided to rent a shop and some primary equipment on his own in 2015.

Nowadays, to follow the development of technology, Fadi needs some new necessary equipment, to be added to his useful fifteen years’ experience in the optics domain, this what made him apply for a Micro-Project to get the support to purchase those machines, so he can expand and consolidate his career.

Fouad,18 years old, is an ambitious young man who is always looking for a way to support his family, especially in these difficult economic conditions. Lately, he noticed that the best option was to leave his education and start looking for career choices in different fields of work. He tried everything, computer maintenance, sewing, and finally he found his interest in making desserts, cakes and pastry. 

He said that during the war, his family was displaced from one home to another for about two years in search of safety. and because of that the financial burdens kept piling up. He wanted to do everything possible to improve his income, so in addition to his day job he was planning to start his home-based business in pastry making, which would significantly reduce his family's financial obligations and help him gradually build his self-owned business.

In 2019, he found that baking cookies would be the perfect option, if he wants to help his father to make ends meet, while of course working for several pastry shops to secure a good paycheck.

His day job helps him to distribute his delicious pastry products through the acquaintances and friends.

Fouad's patience determination and skills have proven themselves and with the support he got, he can confidently build his small sweet factory in his family kitchen as a first step for a prosperous future in the confectionary world. 

It is said that “Behind every chronic illness is just a person trying to find their way in the world.” this could not be more realistic and true for Georges, the loving husband and father who could look past his wife's chronic illness and two years long suffering and see the amazing and strong person he has always been and offer his unconditional support.

Georges had to be strong not just for his wife but Hanna their eldest son also needed his support to fight against his Also, his gastroparesis condition. 

The challenges were surrounding this small family from every corner and the war was definitely making things harder by the day. 

As if they were not struggling enough, due to the crisis in 2011, their house was affected by the bombshells and they were displaced to Al-Jdaideh village.

Later on, in 2013, after the armed groups attacked their village, they had to move once again to Damascus searching for safety, and insuring treatment for his wife.

Financially, this constant movement made things harder for Georges who used to driven a mini pick-up in a juice company for over twenty-four years for a living after losing his ability to work as a carpenter, his original family business he was practicing back at the day.

The long driving job Georges has been in for over two decades now, has shaped his career in a way or another that's why Georges wants to stay in the same domain but increase his opportunities as well as his income by purchasing a pick up truck of his own, and becoming an independent supporter of his family.

When dreams are larger than life nothing can stand in the way of victor not even the harsh economic reality. 

Victor’s laboratory is one of the well-known dental Prosthodontics Lab that used to be his father’s. through the years the father and later on victor built it slowly and with hard work to be inclusive and diverse to be able to manufacture different types of dental Prosthodontics. 

When war started Victor thought that his only concern will be safety of his wife and parents especially that their house was in extremely dangerous neighborhood, all he could hope for is to survive the vicious war. As the fight was over good tidings were looming, the couple welcomed their adorable twins and had high hopes of a bright future. But what Victor underestimated was the economic repercussions of a prolonged conflict that would prevent him from growing his business and become a huge obstacle in his way. The deteriorating currency in particular made it difficult to even think about obtaining the machinery Victor was eyeing. 

Victor applied for his project with one objective in mind, to purchase a 3d scanner for veneers, this machine will make a drastic change in the business, a technology that is not that common in Aleppo and with the high demand in the market it will be a great upgrade with huge potential. For victor, this support is so important without it wouldn’t be possible to push the business forward 

Emad is an ambitious person, he studied in the Medical Institute and specialized in the optics department, after that he worked in Saudi Arabia for about ten years in optics, that's how he got his great experience.

Later on in 2010, when the economic status was good in Syria, he returned to his hometown dreaming of a better future, by having a good job and a nice family. He bought a house, got married, and employed in an optics company as a salesperson.

While the crisis started, and his first and only beloved girl "Mira" was born, life started to become so hard, and he was trying his best to survive, in addition to supporting his widowed mother with a part of the household expenses, along with his brother. His experience in the rare domain of dealing with artificial eyes, helped in making his income a little better for the first period of the Syrian war.

Two years ago, in 2019, while the economic situation in Syria went into a breakdown, and life requirements became more and more expensive, his wife started seeking a job trying to support her husband, but the only opportunity she got was a position as a governmental employee with a really small salary.

Life is getting harder, and all the prices are becoming very expensive. Emad wants to secure his future life by starting his own business, using his useful twenty-years experience in the optics domain. That’s why he shared Hope Center his needs and the chance to help him secure a better future for his lovely small family, by supporting his Micro Project.

Serving in the military for more than 9 years has forced many young men to leave their jobs and change their lives, which led to the loss of the opportunities to gain vocational experience, but Hovhannes didn't want to give up on building a career and he wanted to restore his previous experience and return to his profession and practice it again.

Back in the day, Hovhannes worked in the field of car maintenance for about 8 years. He lost hope of being a workshop owner after spending nearly 9 years in military service, and getting injured. That prevented him from practicing his profession for a long time. 

However, things don't last long, after his release from the army, good things started to happen, Hovannes got married and started his small family.

In order to provide for his family, Hovannes was working in a car mechanics workshop, barely earning what can make him meet the ends. 

When he got married, the economic situation was better, while his current income isn’t commensurate with the high cost of living, and with the a newborn on board, Hovannes can no longer afford the large expenses of securing a comfortable life for his growing family.

The Micro-projects program decided to help him with all the necessary equipment that he needs, he become an independent business owner. The support will improve his financial situation, ensure he and his family have the financial stability they desperately need

Many people have lost their property during the war, when most of them had to sell their homes and cars, trying to survive at a time when finding a job become difficult.

George says: “I lost the only thing I have ever owned when I sold my car, trying to save emigration money, searching for safety for my family, hoping that by leaving Syria I can build a better future for them, but unfortunately, we lost our opportunity to emigrate and lost the only property we had".

George and his wife have a lovely daughter "Janet", they live with George's mother at her house, and take care of her because she is suffering from paralysis in addition to other elder diseases.

George told us "My main job is a taxi driver, but after selling my car, I rented a taxi and began working as a driver for a charity in the mornings, and after that, in the afternoon, I work on freelance to be able to secure our requirements, I have to drive all the day because I am the only provider for my family, and I have to save for my daughter’s university, and my mother’s medicine".

Having a taxi will help George to increase his income, so he can use it in his current job without paying the car rent. This project will provide his small family a better livelihood.

Talaat, a hardworking farmer from Qattinah village, faced adversity when thieves stole his irrigation network. This setback left his water pond and well, equipped with a pump, useless, limiting him to planting only wheat on his land. As a husband and father of two university students, he felt the weight of providing for his family. With the stolen irrigation system, he struggled to cultivate a variety of crops to improve their livelihood.

However, with the support of a new irrigation network, Talaat's hopes blossomed anew. Now equipped with everything needed for a well-watered farm, he eagerly began planting potatoes and a variety of vegetables without worries. This stability not only transforms his farm but also holds the promise of changing his family's future, ensuring them a dignified life. 

Alaa, a devoted family man from the village of Qattinah, faced the trials of sustaining his family through farming and seasonal fishing. 

He works in his father-in-law's land, entrusted with its care while his father-in-law traveled abroad. In this land there was a partnership between his father-in-law and someone else and this partnership had once thrived, when they equipped the land with essential irrigation tools.

In 2022, Alaa's world shattered as his father-in-law's partner sold their shared assets, leaving him deprived of the crucial equipment and water access. 

With no recourse, his farming activities were paused, casting shadows over his family's livelihood.

Yet, hope flickered in the form of the Micro Projects Program, where he sought aid to restore his dreams. He applied for a solar power and irrigation systems, envisioning a future where his land flourishes once more.

Amidst the olive trees and vegetable crops, Alaa's resilience bloomed. With the installation of solar panels and an efficient irrigation system, his land came to life. 

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 winter season.

Despite efforts to rent equipment, the high costs hindered the progress. His cultivation during the summer was limited to wheat, due to the water scarcity. 

Hope flickered when Fadi applied for the Micro Projects Program, through the program's intervention, he received vital irrigation equipment, transforming his agricultural prospects. Now, empowered by efficient water management, he became able to secure a dignified life for his loved ones. 

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 tend to his land effectively. 

Now, Sami cultivates his land with ease, saving costs and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The support has not only transformed his struggles into success but has also paved the way for a brighter future, promising his family a more prosperous and secure livelihood.

Khalaf Al-Bshara, 51, is married to Shireen Qabalan and lives in a humble house with his parents in Al-Tabbaleh neighborhood.

Despite being a skilled painter since 2003, life had not been kind to Khalaf.

At the beginning of the crisis, his painting work decreased so he started working on transferring vegetables and fruits between his village in Daraa and Damascus until the security conflicts reached the area and it was no longer safe, but he decided to challenge the situation and keep working until he was exposed to kidnapping by the armed groups, the three days he stayed in abduction shattered his stability so he relocated to Damascus to live with his family at his parents’ house.

With opportunities scarce, Khalaf found himself shuttling between different jobs: painting, construction, and even restaurant cleaning, he opted to do any available work to put food on the table but his situation was getting worse and the weight of responsibility pressed down harder in addition to having financial hardships, all of that led his marriage to collapse, as his wife took his daughter and moved to live at her parents’ house while he had to put his son at an orphanage.

Tears welled in Khalaf's eyes as he spoke of his kids, his dream of reuniting his fractured family stirred a deep resolve within him, making him apply for the pick-up car with one goal ahead, the reunion of his family.

The support that he gained from Hope Center isn't just about financial assistance; it symbolizes the promise of reunification, healing fractured bonds, and restoring Khalaf's family. 

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 through in Dubai, Samaan managed to preserve, handle his livelihood, and save for his future, then after several years of working hard, Samaan decided eventually to return to Syria and start a new chapter of his life. 

Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he had to endure the loss of his mother, brother, and sister, which left him heartbroken and in poor financial condition as he bore the burden of their medical expenses and funeral costs from his previous work savings. 

With the limited tools and resources, he had, Samaan was not able to start his own business; he had to work at other blacksmithing workshops to get income and afford his living expenses.

Samaan longed to become independent and have his own blacksmithing workshop, which was achieved after getting support from Hope Center to buy electricity generators and necessary equipment and machines.

Today, Samaan is so grateful because having this project marked a pivotal moment in his journey, enabling him to overcome his adversities, and lightening his path toward self-sufficiency and decent living.

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 also started to receive ovens maintenance orders. 

In 2010 Elias was called for military service and the war began shortly after he joined, so he was transferred to serve in Al-Hasakah Governorate until 2019, during which he went through difficult circumstances and faced many dangers. However, on his vacations, he used to return home and help his father in the workshop.

However, as a result of the significant increase in prices in addition to his mother’s battle with cancer and her treatment in Al-Biruni Hospital, their business deteriorated and the expenses became higher than the income forcing them to sell some of the equipment to cover the mother’s treatment expenses.

After Elias was discharged from service in 2019, he returned to work with his father, but the remaining equipment and materials were not enough to strengthen the work and have a proper income to cover the living expenses.

With the help of Hope Center, Elias was supported to purchase new machines to enable this intrepid young man to expand his work which will positively impact his living circumstances and help preserve the family's profession.

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 his father at the gas station, to secure his expenses and save some money for the future.

After his discharge from the service, Hanna embarked on a new journey in his life, as he started working as a taxi driver, with the money he saved from his previous work,  got engaged seeking to establish his own family but he was shocked by the huge burdens of living and his endeavors started to vanish.

Seeking assistance from Hope Center in Damascus, Hanna was granted support to purchase a taxi, which significantly improved his life. The newfound independence and stability brought by this taxi helped Hanna support his family and nurture his dreams.

Despite the challenges he faced, Hanna's story exemplifies the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity and create a better reality, one step at a time.

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 the challenges they faced.

Anastasia managed to overcome the obstacles by working long hours daily at a Salon in the neighborhood, but the income didn't cover the living expenses and she wanted to expand her work and customers which wasn’t possible with the tools she had, so she decided to apply at the Micro Project program to start her own project.

Supporting Anastasia with a make-up kit including all the necessary tools to start, was a turning point in her life because it enabled her to become independent and enhance her living condition.

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 as a taxi driver, hoping to secure a stable income for himself and support his family who was residing in Lebanon as his father was working at a small coffee kiosk, while his brother was working diligently at a snack restaurant. Yet, the harsh realities of life in Lebanon lingered, driving George to ensure his family's well-being by sending them vital medications each month.

full of faith, George applied for the pickup car project at Hope Center seeking financial stability and sustainable livelihood.

the support he got, didn't just offer George financial assistance; it restored his sense of purpose and dignity. It empowered him to support his family while carving his own path to self-reliance and success.

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 expenses and his daughter's university fees looming large, Murhaf had found himself dipping into his savings more frequently. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to their well-being, he kept supporting them through thick and thin, especially during his son-in-law's military service, and had even exhausted his savings to ensure their living. 

Now retired, Murhaf sought to continue working, not just out of necessity and lack of income, but out of a desire to maintain his independence and dignity.

With limited options available due to his age and health, the support he received from the Hope Center to purchase his own taxi, was crucial in ensuring his family's financial stability and allowing them to live with dignity. Despite the challenges he faced, Murhaf remained resolute in his determination to provide for his loved ones, one ride at a time.

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 circumstances forced them to sell it and relocate. During that period, she graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration then she started working at Syriatel from 2016 to 2020 in marketing and sales. However, the income she got was barely enough to meet her own expenses without being able to provide for the house. Elein sought new horizons in the field of hairdressing and beauty care then she decided to travel to Lebanon in early 2022 seeking better opportunities but low salary and harsh conditions prompted her return after eight months.

Upon her return, Elein continued working as a freelance at various salons, often alongside her sister. She honed her skills through self-teaching leading to undeniable expertise in hairstyling.

With a vision for the future, Elein dreamed of opening her own salon, a joint venture with her sister, and with the help she got from Hope Center, this dream turned into reality.

Today, both sisters are determined to shoulder responsibilities and contribute to their family's expenses, facing life's challenges with unwavering resolve and great hopes.

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 help from a local charity for the life-saving oxygen machine. Additionally, during the conflict in Maaloula in 2013, his father was kidnapped along with their car, requiring a hefty ransom of money for the release.

Despite the challenges, Mufeed persevered, seeking employment after the closure of the cosmetic company. However, finding stable work was difficult, especially since he didn't have the chance to gain any experience or education degree during his 9 years of military service.

With support from Hope Center, Mufeed was able to purchase a taxi, which formed a fresh start for him, a pathway to financial independence, and a means to navigate life's challenges without relying on others.

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 find better income to match the increasing costs of living.

Soon after, he started working at an event planning office as a photographer and videographer, but at the same time he was dreaming of having his own equipment that would enable him to establish private work and develop his career.

With the help of Hope Center, Alaa was supported to purchase a camera which was a dream coming true for him as he is able now to have his own photography session, and at the same time add his own signature which will empower his name in the field and open the chance of developing his work and improving his living conditions.

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 adversity struck, so he relocated his shop to the Al-Dukhanieh area in Damascus, but the situation wasn't any better there as violent incidents and armed conflict took place in the area which resulted in the loss of his shop.

Undeterred, he adopted a novel approach, distributing goods via electric bicycles until 2019 when he was called again for the reserve service for three years before resuming the distribution of goods and biscuits, using his brother's electric bicycle.

Presently, Dhyaa toils in the morning as a warehouse worker, and by dusk, continues his work on a bicycle, aspiring to have a pick-up truck for efficient distribution, which would improve his income and release him from the hard morning work. 

considering this tapestry of trials and challenges, Dhyaa was supported by the Micro project program to purchase his own pick-up truck hoping to empower his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, improve his living conditions, and preserve his dignity.

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 began her journey offering her skills to the community. Her home, became her workplace, with a room dedicated to her craft.

The echoes of war that ravaged their area in subsequent years did not deter Karin. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, she persevered, balancing her career aspirations with the safety of her children so she started to work in a nearby childcare center for two years, ensuring stability for her family during tumultuous times.

As peace slowly returned to Dowella, Karin resumed her passion for beauty, working part-time at local salons but the low salary wasn’t worth the long hours she spent far from her kids. She yearned to establish her own beauty salon, equipped with nail and waxing services.

Having support from Hope Center to have her own salon not only empowered her to become financially independent, but also assured her that dreams can flourish, and lives can be transformed.