Mardiros a young barber with seven years of experience, he lives with his mother and bears the sole responsibility of being the family's breadwinner. As a talent in his craft, Mardiros was longing for the security and independence that came with owning his own barbershop. However, the lack of supportive environment and economic challenges of the country left him hesitant to take the leap. He meticulously calculated every aspect, and despite numerous attempts, he remained doubtful as it posed a significant risk.

Having endured the frustration of earning minimum salaries while working for others, Mardiros knew he needed his own equipment to establish his resilience. Mardiros had an idea to minimize the cost of rent, Mardiros's current barbershop decided to offer him the opportunity to rent a chair in their salon for his own customers. This arrangement enabled him to reduce rental expenses while still generating a steady source of income.

With the approval from the Hope Center, Mardiros received an incredible boost in confidence and support. Finally, he could embark on his journey towards independence. The burst of hope and opportunity provided by the Hope Center gave Mardiros the courage to chase his dreams, ensuring a brighter future for himself and his family. 

Nancy Samaan, an ambitious young girl from Tartous, graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts and later relocated with her family to Aleppo. Nancy always had a clear vision of her passion for graphic design and poured her heart and soul into her work.

At a young age, in 2018, Nancy started her career as a graphic designer. However, she soon realized that her previous job didn't provide the opportunities she needed to improve her skills and profession. Determined to grow, she embarked on a new job that allowed her to explore photography, expanding her abilities and opening up diverse avenues in graphic design. She delved into areas like social media content creation and product advertisement.

After gaining five years of experience in the field, Nancy desired to work independently, driven by her longing for financial independence. She planned to achieve her goals step by step and began by building an impressive portfolio of her work, which earned her positive feedback from customers who admired her talent and expressed a desire to collaborate. Nancy leveraged social media platforms to showcase her work and gain recognition in the job market. With unwavering confidence and fearlessness, Nancy's ultimate dream career was to become an interior designer.

However, the unavailability of a laptop became the only obstacle hindering her success; One day, while working from home, Nancy's laptop suddenly stopped functioning due to a surge in electricity, resulting in the loss of all her files and documents.

Standing as Nancy's number one supporter, her mother is immensely proud of her daughter's determination and unwavering belief in her abilities. With the support she received from the CHC team, Nancy regained her confidence with her new laptop and took the first step towards realizing her dream and unleashing her boundless creativity to pursue a fulfilling career.

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 to enhance his skills and elevate his work, Elias realized that he needed to upgrade his tools and equipment, a venture that proved to be quite costly. His proficiency lies in home electricity wiring. He currently shares a home with his mother and brother, who is also studying to become an electrician. 

One obstacle that continues to hinder his progress is the outdated equipment he currently has. As the sole provider for his family, Elias primarily relies on his own efforts, occasionally receiving assistance from his brother. Elias is always eager to utilize the latest technology and tools in his work, such as an electricity generator. This would greatly benefit him, especially when he travels to rural parts of Aleppo where access to electricity is non-existent. With a reliable generator by his side, Elias would be able to work at a faster pace and fulfill the electrical needs of those remote areas.

After receiving approval from the Hope Center, the aid has alleviated numerous challenges and provided a much-needed boost to Elias's determination. This support enables him to continue striving for excellence in his craft and fulfill the responsibilities he shoulders for his family and the communities he serves.

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, anything is possible. Despite the impact of the war on Aleppo's economy, George refuses to be limited. His specialization lies in crafting decorations, such as display stands, backdrops, and table decorations. He works with a variety of materials, including wood, paper, mirrors, foam, and resin, with wood being his primary choice.

For three years in Syria, George initially relied on carpenters for required work, but he eventually realized that he preferred to handle everything on his own. Thanks to the Hope Center, George was able to save time and become more self-dependent, which will help him improve his income and secure a better life for his lovely family.

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, Antoine's reputation has managed to draw in customers. Prior to opening his own shop, Antoine had worked at a renowned eyewear company called "Abd el Samad" in Aleppo, where he honed his skills.

Like every Syrian, Antoine experienced loss during the war years. His wife, a retired teacher, resides with him and their son, Fadi. Their older son and daughter had left the country and traveled abroad. Antoine's aspiration was for Fadi to learn the optician profession, passing down his knowledge and experience to his son. By doing so, he hoped to encourage Fadi to stay in the country, establish a stable income for himself, and contribute to its growth.

In 2014, a tragic incident occurred that disrupted Antoine's plans. While attempting to start the machines by running an electricity generator, an accidental electrical mishap caused a fire that destroyed his entire shop. The situation was terrifying, leaving a deep scar in Antoine's memory that he still carries to this day. As Antoine grows older, he finds himself confined to his house, grappling with a sense of purposelessness that has taken a toll on his mental well-being. However, despite all the misfortunes, Antoine's optimism shines through. His infectious smile continues to fill the room, even in the aftermath of such hardships. 

With the support Antoine has received, he has finally found his rightful place, indulging in the very thing he loves and, above all, ensuring the well-being of his family while guiding his son. In moments when hardships weigh heavily on our shoulders, recovery and resilience pave the way forward. It is for this very reason that Antoine believed in these principles and got the appropriate support to help him overcome any obstacle thrown his way.

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 the coronavirus and after her treatment she was no longer able to open the shop.

Jan’s career begun as an electrician, he worked in this domain for more than four years but his income started to drop due to the harsh economic conditions that were impacting the city thus he was forced to change his profession. 

He decided to become a videographer and started learning the profession by working with several videographer, and now he can work on more than four types of cameras.

After he has been funded, Jan is ready to start fresh after having his own computer and camera. 

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 his professional career as a furniture sprayer and worked there for two years, then went to military service for other two years, from 1991 to 1996 he worked in a grain factory, after which he worked for a year in furniture spraying, After that for 18 years he worked in the field of spare parts. 

During the family stay in Lattakia, he worked in a plastic siphons factory, and after their return to Aleppo in 2019, he returned to work in the field of spare parts and returned to his main profession; furniture sprayer as a worker; but because of the shop owner’s travel he remained unemployed. lately, he has been working in a factory in the Sheikh al-Najjar area.

Ebrahim has had enough of being a worker during his life and now, after he got the approval from Hope Center, he utilized his empty house which was affected by the earthquake for his work, now he can provide a better income and livelihood for his loved ones.

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 war he used to own a printing press unfortunately the equipment was completely lost and stolen.

She participated in many exhibitions, including an exhibition in Damascus, which had the greatest impact on the request of her paintings by clients, but she did not want to sell because of her desire to create her own exhibition and start working through it. She's planning to homeschool her students; she's got some students ready for the summer.

The Micro Project program allowed her to improve her work by providing the required tools and materials, now Patricia will use her skill to make good income and teach basic painting mechanisms to the interested and talented students. 

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 left work there due to long working hours and little salary. Then she went to work for three months doing manicures.

After working in several centers, she resigned and allocated her room for work and bought a simple kit. Lately, the shortage of the needed tools has become a major obstacle. So, she started working with gelish, eyebrow tattooing and skin cleansing. She has clients and became well known.

Amal wants to open her own workshop at home and through the Micro-project, she will be able to provide a good income for her family.

“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 with all the necessities but they were missing one of the most essential machines in their line of work, which led them to need other workshops in order to complete their work, but this dependency cost them a lot of money that’s what made them seriously think of a fast and secure way to provide that machine.

Thanks to Hope Center, now Garo and his brother have the needed machine which helped them reduce their expenses to the bare minimum and now they save a lot of money which enables them to fulfill their family’s needs and daily expenses.

“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 she prioritized her health over her work and decided to work part time, because she needs rest which is nearly impossible if she stayed as a worker.

Like many other strong women, who know nothing but relying on themselves. She found the solution in opening her own business at home. She will take work from the workshop she used to work with and some acquaintances.

Today, thanks to the funding from the donors, Majda bought the essential sewing machines that saves her time and effort.

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 search he found a job where he is working now.

During the war the family house was damaged by bomb shrapnel and the parish helped them restore it, unfortunately after the earthquake their house got damaged again and they left it and stayed in a church hall. When they returned home, they had to face yet another shock as the house was robbed.

The responsibility of becoming a father is huge therefore Sarkis decided to rent a workplace because he wants to gain independence and take care of his family’s everyday expenses and his newborn baby’s needs.

Fadi, a dedicated husband and father of two boys, had faced financial struggles for years. After completing his 8-year mandatory military service in 2018, he worked tirelessly, between two jobs to make ends meet. His roles as a factory worker in the solar power industry and a government employee barely provided enough to cover their basic needs, even with his wife's teaching salary.

Determined to improve their situation, he had a brilliant idea; he realized that having a mini pick-up truck could significantly boost his income by enhancing his work at the solar power factory. Unfortunately, the cost of such a vehicle was far beyond his financial reach.

One day, Fadi stumbled upon a poster about the Micro Projects Program, which seemed like a ray of hope. He submitted his application, and it was approved. Today, he proudly owns his own mini pick-up truck, thanks to the program. The vehicle has not only improved his family's financial stability but also brought a smile to his face, knowing that he can now provide a better future for his two boys.

After graduating from the tourism institute in 2012, Iyad had to put his dreams on hold to fulfill his military mandatory service, enduring nine tough years until 2021. Discharged and pushed into the harsh realities of life, he faced the challenges of providing for his family.

With a wife to support and his mother relying on him since his father's passing, he found himself working tirelessly in a sweets shop, laboring 12-hour shifts just to make ends meet. But hope emerged in the form of the Micro Projects Program, a lifeline to a better future.

At 32 years old, without a stable profession, Iyad applied for a taxi through the program. This opportunity marked a turning point in his life, offering a chance to break free from the relentless toil and secure a more stable life for his family. With the taxi, he could provide for his loved ones and also create a path to a brighter future after years of hardships. 

Adib's life has been a series of challenges and responsibilities, he lives with his mother and sister-in-law while his younger brother serves his mandatory military service. As the oldest son, he carries the weight of his family's livelihood on his shoulders. Their financial struggles became even more daunting when his father, who had been battling heart and kidney problems for years, passed away.

Adib has been working as a floor tiler since 2010, but his life took a difficult turn when all his equipment was stolen from a construction site. Unable to compensate for the loss due to his father's mounting medical expenses, he had to borrow from his grandfather and uncle, who could not always provide the help he needed.

The family's situation became harder as they lived in a rented house. He knew that to secure a better future for himself and support his family, he needed his own equipment. That's when he applied to the Micro Projects Program. With the assistance, he acquired the tools he needed to continue his work independently, ensuring a more stable income and the promise of a brighter future for himself and his family. 

In 2015, Malak, his wife Norma, and their three children, Peter, Barbra, and Fadi, were forced by the war to leave their beloved Al-Qameshli and settle in Norma's hometown of Fairouza due to displacement. Life was tough, but Malak, as the sole provider, worked tirelessly to make ends meet.

To support his family, Malak took on a job operating a mini-winch, sharing the profits with a partner. For more than eight years, he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the field. However, owning his own mini-winch seemed like an unattainable dream due to financial constraints.

Determined to provide a better life for his family, he applied to the Micro Projects Program for support. With the assistance, he finally acquired his own mini-winch. Now, he can work independently, secure a dignified income, and build a brighter future for his family.

Sanaa, a determined young lady, made a selfless choice to support her family. Living with her unemployed father, who suffered from hemiplegia, and her hardworking mother, a seamstress, along with her brother, life was far from easy. In 2019, she enrolled in a makeup training course, embarking on a path that would change her life.

With her newfound skills, she began working at a local salon, offering a range of beauty services, from makeup artistry to nail care. Her dream was to work independently and provide a stable income for her family.

Sanaa's opportunity came when she applied to the Micro Projects Program. Her heartfelt desire was to acquire her own kit, allowing her to work by herself. This initiative not only fulfilled her dream but also transformed her situation, bringing hope and stability into her life.

Toni, originally from Aleppo, honed his car calibration skills from a young age, working alongside his father in their workshop. His expertise deepened during his military service in 2014, where he served as a driver, practicing the craft in the industry area of Damascus. His service extended to nine years due to the ongoing war. After completing his duty, he returned to Aleppo, resuming his profession until a devastating earthquake struck, leaving his house in ruins.

Miraculously surviving with his wife Mary and their baby boy, they relocated to Fairouza village in Homs, seeking refuge in Mary's parents' house. 

In the midst of adversity, Toni applied to the Micro Projects Program, hoping for a fresh start. Fortunately, his project was approved, offering a glimmer of hope. Now, in a new chapter of his life, he is ready to work hard and secure a better future for his son, Christian, along with his family, which faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives after losing everything.

Living with his parents and sister, Majd's family endured displacement and the theft of their home during the war in Homs. Despite the hardships, he pursued his dream of opening a dental clinic in Fairouza village.

His mother's battle with Neuropathy, which began eight years ago after an extended ICU stay, added to the family's struggles. His father, a university professor, did his best to support the family, but financial constraints prevented them from aiding him in launching his own clinic after he graduated from the faculty of dentistry in 2022.

Majd applied for the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance to fulfill his dream and had the chance to attend micro-project management training at the HDISC. Equipped with new skills, Majd meticulously prepared a study and submitted it to the Micro Projects Program.

With the support of the program, he has established his own dental clinic in Fairouza village, providing essential care to the local community. Majd looks to the future with optimism, grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him.

Shadi dutifully served his mandatory military service from 2012 to 2021, a period that took away nine precious years of his life. But the scars ran deeper than time. In 2013, during his service, he fell victim to an armed group's kidnapping, causing a terrifying year of captivity. To secure his release, his family borrowed money, a debt they were still repaying today. The day he was freed from captivity felt like a rebirth, and his heart was full with hope for a brighter future.

Shadi had dreams of a career in computers based on his studies at the computer institute, but the nine years of absence made job opportunities almost impossible for him. His hope rekindled when he applied to the Micro Projects Program for a taxi. To him, this was a lifeline, a chance to have a new start.

With his taxi, Shadi embarked on a journey towards independence. He was determined to leave the shadows of the past behind and build a better life for his family.

Akram, a resilient young man, found himself displaced from his home in Bab Al-Sebaa due to the brutal war. Alongside his parents, they navigated through several neighborhoods in Homs before finally settling in Al-Hamidia, renting a new home. In 2019, Akram ventured into the world of printing, advertising, and promotion, learning essential skills from YouTube and honing them through practical experience.

By 2022, he relocated his project to a vibrant neighborhood near the university, expanding its services to include college requirements, souvenirs, and printing. Despite serving the university students, he faced a significant challenge; the shortage of electricity, crucial for his project. 

He heard about the Micro Projects Program, encouraging him to prepare a feasibility study. Armed with the experience needed to run his project, he applied for assistance, specifically seeking a solar power system, a new paper printer, and additional goods for his shop.

His determination and entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the support from the Micro Projects Program, enabled Akram to continue providing valuable services in the area, ensuring the thrive of his small business. 

In 2008, Thanaa's world was shattered when her beloved husband surrendered to cancer after a two-year battle. Yet, this was only the beginning of her struggle. When the war started in her hometown of Homs, her family faced great suffering. Their home in Bustan Al-Diwan neighborhood was not only stolen but also burned. The heartache intensified as her son was martyred, and it took two and a half months for his body to be returned to the family. All this weighed heavily on Thanaa, who had endured heart surgery and had a fragile heart.

Forced to seek refuge with relatives, she searched for stability in Homs. The local church stepped in to help her and her sons repair their damaged home, allowing them to return. Today, her son Rawad serves his mandatory military service, while her other son, Danny, suffers from a disc condition, as result of his tiring work in floor tiling. His condition barely allows him to work, further straining their financial situation.

Before the war, Thanaa and her husband ran a modest grocery shop, but it was forced to close its doors due to the conflict. Determined to regain her independence, she began preparing homemade food for sale. 

When she saw a poster about the Micro Projects Program, it rekindled a glimmer of hope in her heart. With unwavering determination, she gathered the necessary documents and a project study, and she swiftly applied.

Thanaa's vision is to open a mini-market, taking into account her age and her son's health. With this small shop, she hopes to create a sustainable income source for their family. This project not only promises financial independence but also the opportunity to have a dignified life.

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 was declining.

In 2016, driven by ambition and seeking new horizons, Youssef ventured to Lebanon. For four years, he plied his career, providing hairstyling services while shouldering the financial burden of his mother's treatment. Amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to Syria in 2020, where he continued his journey as a hairstylist despite his father's unemployment and his mother's ongoing battle, Youssef remained steadfast in his commitment to his career and his family seeking an opportunity to start his own hairdressing salon where he could be his own boss and has the chance to show his skills and improve his income.

With help from Hope Center, Youssef was able to equip his salon with essential tools and an electricity generator to start a new chapter of his life, full of determination and hope for a better future.

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 started working as a saleswoman at a cosmetic store, from 2017 to 2021, during which she curved her skills by undertaking courses on nail care, hairdressing, and makeup at Al-Rida Institute, alongside project management at GOPA.

Unfortunately, Raneen's marriage faced severe storms that ended with separation to find herself living in a room, devoid of even the most basic amenities, with two children under her care.

Raneen's resilience shone through her relentless pursuit of self-improvement amid adversities illustrated by her unwavering spirit and her resolve to provide a better life for her kids propelled her towards a new endeavor; a makeup and nail care corner within her modest home, as soon as the idea took shape in her mind, she applied for support at the Micro Project program.

Today, after being supported to start her own project, Raneen is aware of the challenges and responsibilities ahead, but her spirit remains unyielding, driven by her love for her children and the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.

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 unfit for any physical jobs.

Khalil started working as a wall painter with his friends but due to the lack of income and his health condition, he quit this career to work as a taxi driver, seeking stability for his family's household. 

Undeterred, Khalil spent most of his days behind the wheel of a taxi, yet, the relentless rise in the taxi rental charges kept him incapable of meeting the increasing living expenses.

Full of determination and strong faith, Khalil applied to the Micro Project Program for the taxi, longing for independence through work. Today, after the fund, Khalil is grateful for this opportunity he gained which will preserve his dignity.

Saleem Halal, 35, is a living fighter who didn't let the scars of war, the loss of his car, or the ashes of his family home in Maaloula to weaken his faith. Saleem lives with his mother who was a schoolteacher and his siblings: Georgina, born in 1991, now a receptionist at Zaituna Hotel, and Emad, born in 1997, toiling in air conditioner maintenance.

Saleem's path diverged when duty called in 2010, donning the uniform until 2021. His modest home nestled within the ancient walls of an old house, bore witness to his struggles and aspirations.

Post-service, he traversed through several jobs; he worked as a taxi driver for six months, but the high rent made him quit this job and turned to venture into a grocery store in Jaramana, which he started with army compensation. he even started to learn graphic design through YouTube, but his ambitions flickered due to inadequate resources, and finally, he started working at his friend's workshop.

Saleem was lost under the difficulties, all the jobs he experienced were not enough to match the expensive living demands. his solace was in having his own project that would help him to be independent and find his way in life.

With the help of Hope Center, Saleem was supported to purchase his own taxi paving a new promising path for himself and his family.

Adel Helal is a determined man who spent the last years struggling amidst the challenges of life; Adel's life took unexpected turn, from working as a teacher to navigating the streets as a taxi driver.

With a son named Steven and a career path marked by hardship, Adel faced setbacks that would test his resolve. Despite the theft of his car during Syria's crisis and the loss of his brother, he remained undeterred.

His discharge from the reserved service in 2021 was due to his brother’s death which marked Adel's life after that incident with sorrow and desperation. But his wife, Hala, stood by his side, offering financial support by teaching kids at home, and trying hard to weather life's storms together.

With the financial strain and uncertain conditions that Adel and his family were passing through, he refused to surrender to despair. So, he gathered his courage and determination, embarking on a quest for stability and dignity, by applying for support from the Micro Projects Center.

Adel's hopes soared as assistance arrived in the form of support to purchase a taxi of his own which wasn't just a vehicle for him; it was a beacon of new possibility, a lifeline for him and his family.

Nowadays, with each mile driven, his heart brimmed with gratitude and hope. The road ahead was uncertain, but with each journey, Adel's resolve grew stronger, illuminating the path toward a brighter tomorrow for himself, and his family.

In the middle of a crowded area named Kashkoul, amidst the echoes of war and the sounds of bombs, lies the tale of Hassam and his wife Sandrella. Their journey was marked by hardship and resilience, by their unwavering determination.

Married in 2019 amidst modest celebrations as they found solace in each other's hearts. Their home, scarred by two shelling incidents, stood as a testament to their endurance. after having their daughter, Valentina in 2021, their hopes intertwined with her innocent laughter.

Hassam was working in his father's taxi to afford the livelihood demands but in 2014 he was called for military service where he stayed for 9 years which forced his father to sell the car in order to afford the daily food especially since his father was old and unable to work.

Hussam was discharged in 2023, to find himself with no work or income so he started working as a janitor at a hotel waiting for better opportunities. 

Amidst his despair, a glimmer of hope emerged as he learned about Hope Center and applied for support to purchase a taxi through the Micro Projects program. The support he had bestowed upon him breathed life into his fading hopes. With his own taxi, Hassam reclaimed his sense of existing.

Today, with each turn of the wheel, Hassam is paving a path fueled by love and responsibility toward a brighter tomorrow.

Tareiz El-Shamas is a resilient woman who faced life's challenges with a strong heart and unwavering determination. Through the ups and downs of her marriage, which culminated in divorce in 2007, Tareiz embarked on a new journey, taking full responsibility for her two children, Tala and Issa. Despite the setbacks, she didn't hesitate to turn her passion and talent for cooking into a source of income.

Tareiz quickly garnered admirers with her delicious cooking, leading to her being hired as a cooking instructor for several associations and organizations. In 2012, Tareiz faced a tragedy as her ex-husband took her children away to Sweden, cutting her communication with them, but she held her deep sorrow inside her heart while tirelessly continuing her work.

Her motivation prompted her to attend multiple courses ranging from English language to nursing, life skills, first aid, and project management, utilizing every chance for self-development. Her immense maternal love translated into volunteering for a humanitarian project for cancer patients, where she joyfully prepared the healthiest and most nourishing meals for them.

with the economic downturn in the past few years and the rising of living costs in Syria, Tareiz resolved to redouble her efforts. She began accepting home-cooked meal orders, striving to secure a dignified livelihood.

When Tareiz learned about the Micro-Project program in Damascus, she wasted no time in applying for support to establish her own kitchen, where she could pursue her passion for cooking and attain independence in her work.

Today, having received the support she sought, Tareiz feels gratitude, having achieved her biggest dreams. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Tareiz El-Shamas stands as an inspiration for courage and perseverance.

Hani Al-Btros is a humourous and optimistic man, originally from Egypt but moved to Syria in 1998 and since then he worked, got married, and established a beautiful family.

Hani has always been skilled in sales and worked for several companies in that field, both as a sales representative and in marketing but during the crisis, work became less profitable and he started to suffer financial hardships so he decided to travel to Dubai seeking better job opportunities.

However, after spending few months in Dubai without finding a good job he decided to return to Syria looking for any chance to improve his income and be close to his family at the same time.

With a big smile on his face and great faith in his heart, Hani is working now on his own mini-van which he bought with the help of Hope Center, trying his best to improve his living circumstances. 

Jakleen's path took an unexpected turn when the crisis struck and she found herself living with her sister's family. In a cramped rental home, where space was scarce and comfort was a luxury, Jakleen's determination burned brighter than ever.

With her sister Josephine, a diabetic battling her own health struggles, and another sister Deema by their side, Jakleen embarked on a journey through the world of beauty working at a beauty salon trying her best to secure her living during the hardships and financial strains.

Despite the odds, Jakleen persevered. In 2017, she transitioned to freelance work, offering beauty services wherever she was needed. But the meager income barely sustained them in their dire circumstances.

Determined to break free from the confines of their cramped living space, Jakleen took a bold step forward. With courage and hope, she applied for support from the Hope Center in Damascus to launch her own beauty center.

With the Center's backing, Jakleen secured the tools and equipment needed to turn her dream into reality. Together with her experienced sister, they forged ahead, driven by the promise of stability and dignity.

For Jakleen, the beauty center wasn't just a business venture; it was a source of income, empowerment, and, above all, hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Since he was a child, Naser Al-mhanna suffered from his big size and he had to face many obstacles in his life as a result, but he didn’t hesitate at any time to work hard and take responsibility for himself and his family; he started to work as a truck driver delivering fruits and vegetables between his village to the city of Damascus. During work time, he was exempted from military service because of his big size but he didn’t mind the road risks to save his only source of income that was enabling him to afford the living demands of his family.

Unfortunately, in 2020 the truck owner wanted his car back which left Naser jobless, he tried to find a vehicle that fit his size but with no success, and faced many difficulties being employed at another job because being a driver is the only experience he had during the past years.

With the help of Hope Center, Naser was supported to buy his own taxi that would provide him with a source of income suitable to his experience and at the same time keep him away from poverty.

Determined to stay in the country, Wissam Al-Salameh decided to overcome all life obstacles and build his life in Syria.

He is 36, married, and has a lovely son called George. Before the war started, Wissam worked as a Barista in several restaurants in Bab Toma until 2011 when the security situation deteriorated and his work started to worsen so he decided to travel to Lebanon in order to have better job opportunities. He found a job as a gardener and kept working until 2015 then he went back to Syria to continue his life there but he was called for reserve service so he went back to work in Lebanon until 2019 when he returned to Syria again and with the money he has saved, he was able to buy a small house and get married. soon after he was employed as a Barman at a restaurant but his salary was way less than the living expenses so he quit and worked temporarily at his brother’s shop waiting for a chance to start his own project.

After applying at the Hope Center, Wissam was supported to start his own beverages' shop in Jaramana in order to give him the chance to build a career for himself hoping that this shop would provide him with a proper income to cover his family’s living and secure his future.

Antoun Haddad is a salesperson in his thirties who lives with his parents in an old Arabic house in Bab Touma. His father works at a Goldsmith workshop and his mother is a housewife, recovering at home after a long suffering from cancer.

He started working as a salesperson in 2018 at Nestlé company but since then, he has been seeking to have his own business so he opened a snack restaurant in Jaramana which only lasted for six months due to the high costs of materials and lack of fuel and electricity. As a result, he had to close the project and return to work in sales as an employee but his income wasn’t enough to cover the daily living expenses or his parents’ medication especially since his father had to undergo heart surgery and he was no longer able to do hard work.

Antoun was looking for an opportunity to have his own vehicle which he would use in distributing goods and products, the thing that would enable him to be independent and have a better income.

With the help of Hope Center, Antoun was supported to purchase his own pickup truck which was a lifetime chance for him and help to improve the living conditions of his family.