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

Barbershop


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...


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Photography and design


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,...


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Electrician


Elias Zerz, is a skilled electric technician. He learned the tricks of the trade from his father, who unfortunately passed away in 2014. Elias gained over 17 years of valuable experience working alongside his father. Now he works in the shop which his father had established back in 1983, specialized in various electrical services. After the loss of his father, Elias faced many challenges, but with unwavering determination and sheer hard work, he managed to open new doors of opportunity.

Seeking...


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Events Decoration


George Shahda is a hardworking craftsman and a father to two adorable children. His work revolves around a unique concept in the domain of event planning and decorations. George used to have a shop in Homs where he began his initial work, but he had to sell his father's workshop to move to Aleppo for university. During the war, he relocated to Lebanon, where he continued working in event planning and decoration.

George strongly believes that with creativity and hard work,...


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Optometry Center


Antoine, an optician specialized in eyewear lens making, has garnered extensive experience over the years. He is an incredibly optimistic man, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. His work holds immense significance for him, as he takes great pride in delivering his work with utmost precision, striving to ensure that it is free from any errors. Since 2000, he has been operating his shop, situated in a mid-density area. While the location might not attract a high volume of foot traffic,...


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Videographer


Jan lives with his parents in their modest house. The father is an employee working at Al-Kalima Hospital, and the mother is a housewife so he is the only provider of income for the family

Jan’s family has been through a lot in the past 10 years; during the war his father got hit by a shrapnel in his waist and a shell hit their building’s roof but, thankfully their house was only slightly damaged. Then his mother got severely infected by...


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Spraying Wood Furniture


Ebrahim’s life hasn’t been easy at any time, gaining money has always been hard; he had to change his job several times because of the poor economic and living conditions. Ebrahim is the only breadwinner for the family, he lives with his wife, son and daughter in the family’s house.

During the war, the family was displaced for four years to Latakia until the area settled and as a result of the earthquake, their house was damaged and they were evacuated

He started...


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Painter


Patricia's dream is to display her paintings in an exhibition

Patricia’s painting journey began as a hobby to fill her leisure time, however it didn’t take her long to be discovered and recognized by her circle and her teachers have always been her supporters.

Patricia lives in a modest house with her mother (a housewife) and her father who is a worker in a printing press in the Sheikh Najjar area with being the only source of the house’s income. Before the...


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Nail Care Kit


Amal lives with her mother and sister. Her father (who is separated from the mother) is not responsible for them.

In 2013, they were displaced from their home more than once because of the war and the high rental prices. Her sister, is currently an employee and her mother is a housewife.

Amal started her career by working for several companies, then she took a nail art course and after that she started working at a Beauty Center for 3 years and...


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Silver Crafting


“Working from young age helped me gain experience and become a successful craftsman” 

Garo is a single man who lives with his parents and his brother who helps him provide for the household.

Garo started working in a goldsmith workshop back when he was only fifteen years old and he liked this profession and decided to continue in it. In 2010 Garo and his brother took over their father’s workshop to increase their income and gain independence, gradually they equipped the workshop...


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Sewing Machines


“Life is full of difficulties, but these difficulties are strengthening me” that’s what Majda said, when she summarized her life.

Majda is 58, she lives alone. She has been working in the field of sewing in so many professional workshops from young age and her journey have started from being a worker for several years all the way to opening her own business. Due to her health condition (knee joint problems) she needs is flexible working schedule.

Her earnings were slightly decreased after...


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Car Tuning Equipment


Sarkis lives with his wife and his mother; his wife is an employee at a school but soon she will take maternity leave because she is pregnant, his mother is a caregiver for an elderly woman.

Sarkis’s profession is car tuning, he started as a worker back when he was in his early twenties in the Bustan Al-Basha area and stayed in the area until it became unsafe and he had to find another job in a safer region, after a long...


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Pizzeria


Aghiad's journey from hardship to success is one of hard work and determination. After his parents' passing, he chose to stay with his sister, while their siblings sought opportunities abroad. A twist of fate struck with a knee injury from a car accident, creating a need for surgery that he couldn't afford. Undeterred, he took on a job as an accountant, in a restaurant and then as a teacher in an NGO, struggling to make ends meet.

His path to success...


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Beauty Salon


Hala, a wife and mother of four daughters in Qattinah village, faced the challenge of supporting her family as her husband battled health issues requiring joint replacement surgery. 

With determination, she utilized her skills, working tirelessly at her hair salon for over 5 years. Recognizing the potential to expand her small business, Hala's daughters joined her in the salon, and she pursued additional training in nail care and makeup.

Eager to transform her project into a thriving beauty salon, Hala applied to...


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Cotton Clothes


Rana, from Al-Qaryatayn village, endured the horrors of war, facing abduction and loss after armed groups kidnapped her, she spent a harrowing month in captivity, losing her husband in the war. 

Left with the responsibility of two young sons, they fled to Zaidal village and later settled in Fairouza. In 2017, with humble beginning and assistance from kind individuals, Rana initiated her cotton clothes business from home and despite the challenges, she persevered for the sake of her children. 

Seeking a better future, she applied to the Micro Projects Program, aspiring to enhance her inventory and alleviate her family's hardships. Rana's resilience shines as she strives for a dignifies life for herself and her sons. 

Mini Pick-up Truck


Rawad faced the harsh reality of life after completing his chemistry degree amid the 2011 war. His nine-year mandatory military service left him with two job shifts; a small shop where he produced detergents and his work as an employee, but they both barely covered the essentials for his family; wife Ranim and 5-year-old son Ronny. 

Determined to secure a better future, he wanted a mini pick-up truck to distribute the cleaning materials he made to local businesses like restaurants and car cleaning workshops. However, the financial strain from years in the military hindered his dream. With the invaluable support of the Micro Projects Program, enabled him to advertise and sell his quality cleaning products and ensure a stable living for his family. 

Nail Care Kit


In the village of Qattinah, Vivian and George's life took a heartbreaking turn during the ravages of war. George, serving his mandatory military duty, fell victim to a cruel explosion, robbing him of his sight. Vivian, now the family's sole provider, possessed a talent for nail care. 

Yet, life's hardships continued and lacking the essential tools for her craft pushed her to borrow from a friend to serve her clients. The burden of a rented house further strained their fragile situation....


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Plastering Equipment


For over 25 years, Amer dedicated himself to his profession, wall plastering. Married to Mirvat, with a daughter and a son, he supported not only his immediate family but also his mother and brother, his partner in work. 

Disaster struck two years ago when a construction site fire destroyed Amer's equipment. Things worsened when his essential electric bike was stolen. Unable to afford replacements, he had to rely on friends' equipment for work. 

The Micro Projects Program became a glimmer of hope,...


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Hair Salon


In the village of Qattinah, Sonia, a devoted wife and mother of three, embarked on her hairstyling journey in 2000. After a decade honing her skills, she transitioned to working independently from home in 2011, supporting her growing family. 

In 2023, with her savings in hand, she made a bold decision to reopen a salon. Her husband, the sole provider for his parents and disabled sister, inspired her to contribute to their livelihood.

Seeking assistance from the Micro Projects Program, she applied for support with basic tools, materials, and an electric generator. With this helping hand, Sonia's salon flourished, bringing stability. The Micro Projects Program played a pivotal role in transforming Sonia's dreams into a thriving reality. 

Dental Clinic


Joud, the only son in a small family, took a leap towards his dreams through the Micro Projects Program. His family lives in a rented house, with his father who works as an employee, his mother managing the home, and his sister, a student in the 11th grade.

Armed with a dentistry degree in 2022, he dove into the workforce immediately, joining a dental care center due to financial constraints preventing the family from opening a private clinic. The Micro Projects...


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Mini-Market


In the village of Qattinah, Mouna's life took an unexpected turn in 2020 when her husband, a retired employee, suffered a sudden debilitating stroke. Overnight, Mouna found herself shouldering the responsibility of their well-being. 

She has been running a small mini-market since 2005. However, the last three years were challenging, with inflation and economic crises damaging her micro-project. Determined to persevere, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program to safeguard her only means of providing for her family. The program became a lifeline, offering hope and support in the face of adversity, enabling Mouna to continue her journey and secure a dignified life for her and her husband. 

Sewing Workshop


Najah's husband passed away 9 years ago leaving her and his sister as providers and supporters for his three children. her eldest son had to leave his studies and work due to their hard financial situation, while her daughter works at a hair salon and at the same time studying at university, and her youngest son traveled to Erbil. 

Back to the war period in 2011, Najah and her family were displaced from their house in Homs to Rabah village, in...


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Women's Clothes Shop


Refhaa, a resilient wife and mother of four in Qattinah village, faced unforeseen challenges when her husband battled disc disease, undergoing three surgeries that strained their finances. Since 2008, she has operated a small women's clothes shop, becoming their family's lifeline. 

The post-war inflation hit hard, threatening her shop's survival. Recognizing the need for intervention, she turned to the Micro Projects Program, seeking support to revive her struggling small business.

With determination and the program's assistance, Refhaa revitalized her shop, ensuring a stable income for her family amid the economic crisis. 

Dental Laboratory


Antoine, a dentistry graduate from the Middle Institute of Dentistry of Aleppo in 1994, had seen his life take a difficult turn due to the war in Syria. With a loving wife and a 16-year-old son, he faced the challenge of providing for his small family in a rented house.

Before the war, he had his own dental laboratory in Bab Al-Sebaa neighborhood of Homs. However, the conflict ravaged his laboratory, leaving him without the essential equipment needed for his profession....


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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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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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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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