Manan has spent the majority of his life in his cars maintenance workshop, from an early age, this self-made man started as a smart young boy and slowly grew to become a hardworking employee, then to be more like a contributor to the business. In fact, the only time Manan was separated from his workshop was during the war, only to escape the horrendous mortar shell attacks in 2014, when he fled to a small village near Tartous until the danger of the mortar shells subsided.  

While displaced, Manan did not lose time in sorrow, he seized the opportunity to attend an internship in a car maintenance company and learn about more modern technology in his domain.  

The experience Manan gained in Tartous, remained always in his mind, even after coming back to Aleppo, he wanted to elevate his services in the workshop, and invest in a car inspection device, but the only problem was the lack of the capital specially in the current economic crisis, and the already existing financial hardships.

As technology is slowly entering each and every field of work, it was very useful for Manan to invest in this inspection device which will allow him to expand his work and enter new domains that will ensure him a more prosperous business.  

Corona Virus changed the lives of many people around the world, not just being hazardous to people’s health but also by its impact on business. Nelly was one of those who became unemployed when the wave of the deadly virus hit Syria. 

Nelly needed that job desperately, she had gone through many excruciating events from her husband losing his workshop in a blink of an eye, to her house being hit by missile forcing her and her family to move from one borrowed house to another. But the most wrecking tragedy hit Nelly on the 1st of May 2016, on Easter day. The family was gathered at their grandparent’s house and suddenly the world turned into pitch black. Hours later, Nelly woke up in the ER only to discover that her 17-years-old son and her brother-in-law had passed away by the missile that hit the house and threw them all. For the heartbroken mother, there was no time to grief. Nelly had lost everything, but she had to be strong for her other children, she pulled herself together and started looking for a way to support her family.

Nelly’s plans could not be put to action without the fund that mainly was utilized to purchase the sewing machines necessary to start her job from her own home. Nelly now became a self-employed woman who can divide her time efficiently between family and business and live a balanced and more productive life.    

Parenthood made the 34-years-old Rafi, defy the impossible to be a good provider for his wife Armineh and their two sons; Sako (10 years old) and Alec (5 years old). Rafi’s family business has always been in ironsmith, from an early age he learnt this craft from his father and contributed to the family’s work. But what made Rafi stand out from other craftsmen is that his specialty was manufacturing Amusement Park equipment. Unfortunately, for a city struck by war and lost its peace and safety, this kind of facilities were closed for so long, leaving Rafi without any source of income. 

Rafi refused to surrender, he was responsible of his little family and he was doing his best to provide them with good life.in 2015, in the darkest moments of war in Aleppo he took his family away from all the horror and temporarily moved to Armenia, but the expenses of such move could not be tolerated for long. When things got better in Syria, Rafi sent his family home while he went to Iraq to work there. However, Rafi’s plans were interrupted by Corona virus spread and his contract ended sooner than expected. 

The fund that Rafi received helped him obtain the tools and equipment needed to open his independent workshop and at the same time be able to stick around to raise his two kids with all the love he has towards them. 

When Haroutun’s shop in Al-Ramuseh was destroyed, during the early years of war, he was left without a job and without any clue on how to support his big family. He and his sons used to work in car mechanics, but with war arriving to Aleppo their workshop first became out of reach then destroyed due to the armed conflict in the area. Later with the vicious progress of war being unemployed was beginning to be the least of their concerns; their house in Al-Midan was in a very dangerous zone, his wife was affected by the mortar shells and suffered from a nervous breakdown, two of his sons were called to serve their mandatory service in the army and his oldest son and his family of four moved in with Haroutun when he lost his source of income and had nowhere to live. And on top of that, their car was burnt after one of the bombshells hit it while it was parked in the street.

Simon (the oldest son), started working as a driver for an employer to secure their living, but neither he nor his father lost hope to someday return to their workshop, until this glimpse of hope disappeared when they heard that their property land was destroyed then turn into a local market. The savings didn’t last long, Haroutun was forced to find a job in order to provide for his family. That’s why the 63-years-old man started working as a taxi driver. 

The positive step that this project presented to Haroutun’s family is that instead of paying rent to the car owner, he can now secure a better monthly income for the family. 

After 10 years of volunteering in police service, the last thing Diaa imagined was to be called to serve for six more years in what was labeled as the worse war of the century, the Syrian war. 

His quiet life in Homs city was flipped upside down when the war started. After leaving the police force, Diaa who is from Homs country side had just opened a shop and was thinking about settling down and starting a family, but God had other plans for him. The news of his new assignment in the citadel of Aleppo was shocking for him. 

the Citadel soon became under siege for many years. For the majority of that time, Diaa lost contact with the outside world, forgot that life existed beyond the walls of the citadel, but did not forget about God’s mercy that saved him from the multiple injuries he went through during that time.

In 2016, Diaa and his friends were finally discharged. But unfortunately he discovered that his shop in Homs was destroyed and he had nothing to return to. 

Diaa then made the decision to stay in the city of Aleppo and start a family here where he spent the last seven years. He started working for a vehicles company to make a living and after a while, got married. He has been trying to build a life despite all the obstacle standing in his way. This is the major reason for him to want a taxi and be financially independent. the taxi for Diaa, who due to his injuries has limited work choices, will help him secure a good and content life despite all the difficulties. 

Although it’s been ten years now, But Marderos can’t forget how war started suddenly and changed his family’s life forever. Tragedies started to fall upon them one after another and turned their lives into a nightmare. In The hardest days of 2015, when mortar shells were showering upon them, his daughter got injured and her injuries were severe and mainly in her abdomen, luckily she healed  after several shrapnel removing surgeries. Marderos also lost his brother by a mortar shell. 

The economic situation was miserable too, for months Marderos couldn’t find a job; as he used to work in transportation between Aleppo and Northeastern regions in Syria. But when a church near his house was hit and destroyed, Marderos preferred to sell his car in order to afford food and life basics and barely survive instead of risking it would be destroyed by the shells.

Having his own taxi means a lot for Mrderos, who lately have been borrowing his friend’s car to work part-time and support his family. The taxi enables Marderos to secure a decent and a stable income.

Everything in our lives is a reflection of choices we’ve made, but what if we didn’t have a choice at all! It is a feeling of helplessness and sadness that the 59-years-old father of two, Dikran is very familiar with. 

For ten years, Dikran was a pickup truck driver, he used to carry different merchandise, all sort of goods around the city and even transport furniture for clients as a side hustle. With sweat and tears he was able to secure his household’s needs and put food on the table for his wife and two kids. And although he didn’t have his own vehicle, his income was good and his family was able to have a decent life. 

But Dikran didn’t choose to live in war, he didn’t choose to be living in a dangerous area either. What made him feel more trapped and broken is that he didn’t have a choice to leave his house that got hit by a mortar shell in 2015 and was severely damaged, simply because he didn’t have anywhere to go. To make it worse, his relative who owned the pickup truck that he used to work on decided to sell it. Nevertheless, Dikran wasn’t left alone, the church helped him repair his house (that he was living in despite of it being destroyed) and offered him a morning job to help him survive.

When Dikran applied for his project, it was profoundly a wish to reclaim his right to decide his future, he wanted to make his own choices, provide a better life for his children and become independent once again. and having his own pickup truck has surely empowered Dikran and helped him take the first step toward the life he wants.

In the midst of the financial crisis, losing a job could be a dreadful nightmare specially if you are the family's provider and a father of a toddler. The 28-years-old Gabriel was devastated when he lost his job when the program ended in the organization which discharged the employees. 

Although Gabriel’s family business has always been in carpentry domain, but due to war their workshop was severely damaged and their machines were stolen. Without a profession, he returned to the savings to rely on, and to make matters worse, he had a knee injury. Gabriel had to act fast and smart to find a job that both ensures a decent income for his family and suits his health situation. The pick-up truck was Gabriel’s choice, majorly because he has a lot of acquaintances from his old work that he can depend on their orders for transportation services, and it basically involves driving which is convenient for his knee injury.

Purchasing a pickup truck is a big change in Gabriel’s career, it is a new experience that he is determined to go through, full of hope that it will enable him to provide a decent life for his lovely family. 

Majd is a hardworking young man, who is trying to be an independent and productive part of the community.

His first job experience started back in 2016 in the culinary business, Majd started working in restaurants’ cuisines on many tasks, it was his livelihood since his father had passed away and he became the provider for him and his mother. 

But when Majd saw that his job was taking him nowhere career wise, he decided to learn something new, so he chose to search for a job in a different domain; embroidery design. Majd quickly gained experience and mastered working on the machinery, and started planning and saving money to establish his own embroidery workshop. But, unfortunately the war caused damage to his house, and the tight financial situations which prevented Majd from achieving his goal. But he didn’t give up at all, on the contrary he attended a start-up-business course to thoroughly plan for his project, and applied to the Micro Projects Program.

Today, Majd started the first step of what became a family business, as his brother started helping him in preparing the patterns and designs that Majd implements and produces in his new workshop. 

Rami Haddad is like most middle-class workers, battling against the blundering economics and trying to provide for his family of three and his mother whom they live with. During the war, Rami’s work suffered from an immense set-back. The whole chaotic situation resulted in great losses in business; many of Rami’s old clients fled the country without paying him, and many merchandise shipments were confiscated on the unsafe highways between Syrian cities. Eventually Rami had to close his workshop and sell his car so he can financially survive. Instead of owning a workshop, Rami became an employee, working for other people with a modest salary and limited opportunities. 

Today, with the support he got, Rami is restarting his business, having his own sewing machines and workspace will not only improve his income, but it will also give him the chance to regrow his business again and be a productive individual of the community. 

In the midst of war and economic crisis, establishing a business is nearly an impossible thing for young people like Samer. 

Eight years ago, the 31-years-old man who takes care of his mother, wanted to enter the blacksmithing field, gain a ton of experience in order to be able to open his own workshop one day and be an independent individual. The hard financial situation stood in the way of Samer's life and prevented him from achieving his goals and dreams, and the worst thing that he lost his job too. When all doors closed in is face, Samer went to Lebanon, to work there. He stayed for four years until he decided to return to Aleppo last year after Lebanon’s recent emerging crisis. 

Today Samer wants to take a chance with lots of hope and determination to open his independent blacksmithing workshop after purchasing all the tools and machines that will allow him start his work soon. It is a huge step for this young man but at the same time a very important one for his future life. 

Throughout his life years, Whether it was as an employee in a shop or for clients everywhere, Armen’s job has always been in the sales domain.

He started back in 1990 and his hard work paid of after long years of persistence and Armen’s acquaintances’ list grew longer specially when he became a salesman. His position allows him to drive a pick-up truck full of merchandise to sell and distribute them around the city. 

Although Armen liked his job, but due to war, it became very hard for him to provide for his family of five and for his mother who shares her residence with Armen’s family. 

When Armen applied for his project, he was trying to make a better income from a domain he enjoyed working in and also had long experience in. Having a pick-up truck will give him the flexibility to collaborate with many retailers and steadily expand his business and increase his income. 

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.