Yousef Nahass is a 23-years-old electrician Who is the sole provider for the family of three; his father Abdo, sister Rita and himself. Despite his young age, he chose to take the financial responsibilities and work as an electrician. He first started working after the family traveled to Lebanon in 2011, with the start of the Syrian war.

His father stayed back in Aleppo for a while longer to arrange everything related with his workshop, car, and other belongings, but unfortunately Bustan Al-basha area, where his workshop was located, was one of the first areas raided by the armed groups. The workshop became out of reach, and later on Abdo heard that the equipment was stolen. 

The father who lost everything sold his car and followed his children to Lebanon. Meanwhile, Yousef and Rita were staying at a relative’s house until Yousef could find a job and earn some money to rent their own apartment. To face these hardships at an early age was hard for Yousef, but it helped him master his craft and strengthened his personality so he would be able to stand on his own feet. In addition, he was supporting his father to re-open his workshop by purchasing new equipment to replace the stolen one, but that plan didn’t work out since it was very expensive and the area of Bustan-Al-Basha itself was damaged severely so its habitants and workshop owners didn’t return back yet.

Yousef not only helps his father, but he also takes good care of his sister, he is very kind and considerate of her, especially that she was deeply affected by the war and the circumstances they went through while living in Lebanon, which encouraged Yousef to return back to Aleppo in 2018.

It wasn’t strange to find a job for an electrician’s shop in Al-Seryan neighborhood. All he needed was a start point, so he worked for the shop owner (while he was away) and slowly got recognized by the inhabitants for his skilled work and good quality service. 

Now it’s time for Yousef to start his independent business with the good reputation he built during these years, and the skills he developed in his craft, and hopefully after opening his own shop for electric devices sales and repair, the son and father could collaborate and help each other to secure their family’s future. 

Family is what gives you the roots to stand tall and strong, it is the first support unit in times of hardships, Hagop comes from such a family.

Hagop Lutfi used to work in goldsmithing since 1997, despite the fact that he didn’t have his own independent business, but he surely has the skills for the delicate craft.

he has two brothers, one of them was in the military service since the start of the war, he was already in service for 8 years when Hagop was called to serve in the army in 2017, it was the worst timing for such a news, his wife was pregnant after many years of unsuccessful conceiving trials. It was hard for them to have two family members on the fire lines … so his other brother took the action. 

After two months, his brother volunteered to serve in the army instead of him; so Hagop would stay with his family (since there is a law that says if a person becomes the sole provider for the family, he gets to be exempt from the military service). Indeed because of his brother’s sacrifice, Hagop came back home to his wife Mary and newborn son Hovsep.

Although being the sole provider is what saved him, but it has put heavy financial burdens on Hagop’s back. His house is rented, his wife has left her job after giving birth, and his mother lives alone so he has to support her as well, and that is almost impossible with only one salary. 

Hagop wants to work as a taxi driver to increase his income. It is convenient for him because of the flexibility in his schedule, he can work in his workshop and work on the taxi to secure a better life for the whole family. 

The remaining shrapnel in his head is a constant reminder of the vicious war that Roland lived.

The 39-years-old Roland Makdissi was a victim to something he didn’t have anything to do with. in 2016, a mortar shell fell on a building in the same street where he and his wife Salpy live. The positioning of the shrapnel was very delicate, it caused him facial Hemiplegia. The couple consulted many doctors and all of them agreed that leaving the shrapnel inside is much safer than removing it; since the removal procedure contains a great risk of causing more nerve damage.

However, this injury wasn’t the only suffering for Roland, from a young age, he used to own a retail shop for selling car spare parts in the industrial area called Al-Ramouseh, when the war started, it was one of the first targeted areas by the armed groups. His shop was confiscated with all the merchandise in it. It was a great loss for the couple, especially that they were trying to conceive for years and weren’t getting lucky, and all the treatments were costing them a great fortune. Prior to his injury, when he lost his shop Roland took his wife and went to Latakia for two years, while staying there, he worked as a tar machine driver.

But after the injury, his job options were minimized, he couldn’t do anything that would cause a stress on the nerves like the chores that demand heavy lifting or physical effort. That’s the main cause of choosing this career. It is both suitable for his health condition, and at the same time it provides a good income that they really need since the only income for them is his wife’s salary from working in a dentist’s clinic.

Roland deserves to have a chance to increase his income, recover from all the misfortunes that got in his way, and secure an amount which will enable him one day to start over his business in Al-Ramouseh. 

Since 1983, Manoug Hyrabedian worked in cars repairing, his workshop was in Bustan Al-Basha and like all the workshops in that area he was forced to evacuate in 2012, with the start of the war. His losses weren’t only the workshop, he also had machinery there and a lot of materials stored there, none of that could be rescued. For two years the 63-years-old stayed without any work, but the family of four had no other source of income than his son Garo’s salary from working in a retail store for cars spare parts (his wife Nora doesn’t have a job, and Patil; his daughter is preparing for her baccalaureate exams).

After that, Manoug Had to find a solution, he started working with some of his friends for a small profit percentage, but it was better than nothing. The church also helped with occasional food baskets and small financial aids, which was a temporarily support for them, specially that there were other things they had to endure; like the lack of electricity and water cut-offs.

Almost two years ago, the armed groups withdrew from Bustan Al-Basha. The craftsmen including Manoug; had high hopes of returning to their careers and workshops, but time passed by and things didn’t get better, the electricity didn’t come back and the infrastructure hadn’t been repaired. That’s why last year Manoug rented a cosmetic store his older daughter helped him, but for the craftsman it was not something he could success in.

All that Manoug wants is to repair his old workshop and replace the stolen equipment to restart from where he left off, it’s been his profession for 36 years, and it’s what he wants to do in the future.

When you hear Sarkis explain How he manufactures his products (electrical breakers for cars), you can see how passionate he is about his profession. 

Sarkis Habib is a 37-years-old who lives with his wife Vartouhi and their two daughters; Zovig and Rita in their grandmother Zovinar house, he is the provider for all of them. After his father passed away Sarkis kept his father’s workshop working for a long time. He used to spend the majority of his day in the workshop where he put his equipment and tools and he would lose track of time. The process of manufacturing one piece takes a lot of time and effort and lots of steps on different machines, each designed for a specific purpose.

With the start of war, the father of two was burdened with the collapse of the Syrian currency, and the rising living costs. The high material prices made it impossible for Sarkis to invest in new ones, it would make the whole process financially inefficient. He made the hard decision of closing the workshop, and then started the search for a job… 

After a while he started working as a delivery guy for a mini market, and that became the source of income for the family. Although it is helping them to survive but it is frustrating for a man like Sarkis to give up the job he loves and work for others, while his own workshop is closed.

All what Sarkis needs to restart his business is to be able to purchase the primary material needed for the production process, going back to his workshop would mean the world to him, and this will be a new beginning for the whole family.

Charbel Mamo is a 27-years-old young man who went against all expectations and while a great percentage of Syrian youth did everything to leave the country or even wished to leave, Charbel couldn’t stand being away from his family and fiancée so after four years in Sweden he couldn’t wait to come back to his hometown Aleppo.

During his stay in Sweden, Charbel worked in the food business, in a pizzeria place and he excelled that job, on the busy weekends he used to serve up to 600 pizzas a day, his job was the only thing he enjoyed there. 

All the experiences Charbel had gone through and what he learned from his father in sales field, gave him a good knowledge in having a successful project of his own. And despite the diversity of the domains he worked in previously, he knew exactly how to benefit from these experiences when planning for his project. At first, he wanted to open a small restaurant or a pizzeria since it had been his latest job, but the costs are unbelievably high to start such a project from scratch. That’s why he decided to open a retail shop for women’s sportswear and sneakers.

The location of his shop, the decoration to attract the customers, and the advertising techniques all are well planned elements that Charbel have to start a thriving business for years to come.

After his graduation from electrical institute in 2002, Bashar Boulos who’s 31 years old today, started building his career on his own, until he could upgrade his business and rent a shop in 2010. Not much time passed before difficulties found their way to him, soon after the war started in 2013, the industrial factories shut down and since he was specialized in Industrial machinery, he had to switch his job to something more profitable. Thereafter, He worked on a taxi for 7 months, but the shortage of fuel and the high cost of this substance made the earnings barely enough to cover the costs, so he started searching for something else. 

This time he traveled to Lebanon, got a job as a Maintenance manager in a hotel, and worked there for the following two years. In 2015 tragedy struck again, Bashar heard the devastating news of the death of his father, his widowed 68-year-old mother was left alone and he had to come back to Aleppo to take care of her. New hopes are starting to blossom in Bashar’s life, he is engaged now and planning for his wedding in September, and not just only on a personal level but also because the closed factories are re-opening once again even if it is in a slow pace, and customers are coming back to him to repair their machinery parts. That helps a lot but it’s not enough to start a new family while taking care of his mother since his father’s retirement salary is her only modest income.

Bashar applied for an electrical maintenance equipment, which is his field of experience, so he wishes to get back to this job and that would give him the boost he needs to create a better living, and become financially more stable for the new chapter of his life.

The 31-year-old Elias Khawam had it all... with his wife Odet, and their seven-year-old son George, together they make a beautiful small family living relatively a comfortable life. Elias shares business with his father since 1998, in the domain of selling and fixing car parts. But in 2013 everything was about to change, the armed conflict got heavier and closer in Aleppo city, until one day the inhabitants of Sheikh Maksoud area were forcefully dislodged from their homes. Elias wasn’t an exception; he lost his house and two cars. The displaced family refuged to Elias’s Father house in Sulaymaniah, and stayed there for the next 5 years. 2018 brought positive changes, the situation got slightly better in the city, the access to Sheikh Maksoud became possible again. Elias went to see his house there; it was mostly destroyed and stolen. He had to spend approximately 5,500$ to make it habitable again. The high costs of renovation have put heavy financial burdens on Elias, to overcome these difficulties, he needs to invest in more goods, to thrive more and more in business so the family can compensate their losses and improve their future.

In his early thirties, Yacoub Baddosh shares his story with us and his future plans, this young man who lives with his parents had originally studied in the institute of tourism in Aleppo university, and worked in lots of hotels after finishing school. He was making his way in that domain steadily and everything was going smoothly for him until the war started. 

The impact of war in Syria reflected greatly on the tourism industry, the losses were massive, Yacoub found himself out of work and had to find a new job. After a while he started working for the ‘MJO’ in one of their warehouses for the morning shift and in the afternoon, he helped a friend in his espresso coffee shop.

Yacoub and his family are very thankful that throughout the war, they didn’t have any major losses. However, living in a neighborhood like Telefon-Hawaee, where they are an easy target for bomb attacks wasn’t easy at all, neither was the deteriorating economic circumstances; Yacoub’s father retirement salary plus his simple salary combined are barely enough to survive the daily needs. 

Today, Yacoub is planning to open a small shop of his own, in his busy neighborhood to sell espresso coffee and some cold beverages, since he has done this job for many years in his friend’s shop and gained some experience in managing such projects. The income will give him the first push towards improving his financial situation.

Craftsmen are the most people who were affected in the Syrian war. 

Nasri is a 56 years old carpenter, who works mainly in spraying and painting wooden furniture, his workshop was located in Suleyman AL-halabi area like most of the workshops of this kind.

When the war started in 2012, the area was confiscated by armed groups and that was the last time Nasri saw his workshop. It was a rental but the tools and equipment were his, and unfortunately, they were all stolen.

Nasri was left without a source of income, he needed to work in order to provide for his wife Georgette and his 16-years-old daughter Maria. The carpentry business was slow by then in the city, he had to work in anything he could find, so he found a job as a janitor in a building for a while…

At the same time, he started having some health-related issues that escalated quickly, and Nasri found himself in need of an open-heart surgery.

After the successful surgery in 2017, Nasri worked in “George Salem printing house” for one year. When the carpentry workshops gradually started working again, Nasri’s friends supported him to go back to his original craft, he started working with them in exchange for a profit percentage temporarily until he can stand on his own feet, and that is exactly what he wants. 

Nasri and his family are ready to put the past behind them, they survived the years of war, the daily dangers and the destruction of their house, when a mortar shell hit their living room demolishing the balcony and the living room walls, (The Latin church helped with the reconstruction fees). Today Nasri is looking forward for a better future, and all he needs is a little financial help to rent a shop and purchase the needed tools to start off his business.

My name is Salim Ajami, I am 40 years old; I’m married to Georgina Mashek and we have two little boys, Tawfeek is 11 years old, and Elia is 9 years old. We live in Al-Midan area in Aleppo, this area was very dangerous during the war because it was a critical fire line, all our neighbors left fearing for their lives, we used to go down to the building shelter when the children get terrified by the sounds of boming. My main job was a driver in a housing project from 2007 in Sheikh Saeed area, but in 2013, the company closed because the region was under attack, and I became unemployed. After that I worked in selling cigarettes in an area near my house, where I was living, I suffered a lot in this work specially in the winter harsh cold, in addition to the constant fear of being killed by a mortar bomb in any minute. My project is a taxi cab, I chose this job because I don’t have an experience in other fields and working on a taxi will increase my income, I am an excellent driver. My hope is to be able to provide a decent life for my wife and my boys, during these hard times that we are going through.

Michel Shahoud is married to Jannette Gharam, they have one daughter; Sara who is still studying at college. In 2010, his wife got sick with scleroderma and as a result, she frequently loses her balance and she can’t move on her own so she needs constant care from her husband, which makes it difficult for him to leave her alone and go to his work while his daughter is in college. During war, part of their house in Al-Jabryeh was damaged greatly by the shells that were falling near them. Michel worked as a Centralist in the Touristic Hotel from 2002-2011, and also as a receptionist from 2005-2011 in Al-Faisal hotel, but he had to leave both jobs as these hotels closed in the war, he now works with his friend in a real estate office, but this job is not stable at all and the salary is very low. He applied to get a Taxi so he can improve the income for his family and he can control his work hours in a way that he can help his wife in any time she needs him, in addition to the fact that he has a good experience in driving.

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.