Johnny, a devoted husband to Siba, resides in a modest rented house in Al-Sabeel neighborhood. Before the war, his life was stable as a skilled plumber, but his world changed when he was called for mandatory military service in 2013. The war years were long and exhausting, stretching his service until 2021. During this time, his plumbing equipment was stolen.

Upon discharge, Johnny struggled to regain his career. He initially partnered in detergent sales, but the venture failed, leaving him with little income. He then took on various labor jobs, yet they proved insufficient to support his dreams and responsibilities.

Despite the challenges, he remained hopeful and determined. With Siba pursuing her university studies from home, he sought a stable means to provide for their family. He envisioned owning a mini pick-up truck to distribute goods, which would ensure a better life for him, Siba, and his elderly parents, whom he supported while his brother served in the military.

Applying to the Micro Projects Program marked a turning point. With the support, Johnny now runs his own distribution project, securing a stable income and a dignified life for his loved ones. 

Raed, a single man living with his parents and two brothers, lost ten precious years of his life to military service from 2012 to 2022. Before his enlistment, he had eagerly completed his studies at the Faculty of Chemistry, filled with dreams and aspirations. However, upon his discharge, Raed faced a harsh and unyielding reality: the world had moved on, and he struggled to find a job due to his lack of experience.

Determined to support his family, Raed began giving private chemistry lessons. Despite his best efforts, he wasn’t well-known in Homs, and this endeavor brought in insufficient income. 

In a moment of hope, Raed discovered the Micro Projects Program. Realizing that driving a mini pick-up truck required no prior experience, he saw an opportunity and applied to be supported with a mini pick-up truck.

With this truck, Raed began distributing goods, gradually building a steady and independent source of income. This new venture not only provided the financial stability his family needed, but also allowed him to lay the foundation for his own future. 

Youssef, a resilient man from Homs, has endured unimaginable challenges as the sole provider for his elderly parents; After the tragic death of his brother in the war, Youssef took on the responsibility of caring for his parents, both of whom suffer from severe heart conditions and have undergone multiple surgeries.

One fateful day, while at work, an iron door fell on him, severely injuring his arm. This accident required numerous surgeries and a long recovery period. To make matters worse, during his recovery period, his essential equipment was stolen, leaving him out of work.

Determined not to let his parents down, he borrowed equipment to slowly rebuild his livelihood. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his commitment to support his family. Realizing he needed support, he applied for the Micro Projects.

Thanks to the assistance he received, Youssef now has the necessary tools and equipment to fully resume his work. This support has enabled him to continue providing for his parents, who rely on him entirely. 

After completing a consuming, five-year mandatory military service, Raed found himself without work experience or opportunities. Living in Homs, he supports his mother, who suffers from heart disease, and his three siblings. His disabled brother and sister require special care, and his younger brother, Rabih, is a history student at university. 

The family’s struggle began in 2011 when they were displaced from their home in Al-Qusayr village, losing everything. Raed made great efforts to revive their burnt land, but the new trees needed long time to bear fruits again. 

With his father passing, Raed became the family’s sole provider. He struggled to find a steady work, as his brother's condition demanded his constant attention, preventing him from committing to a regular job. Despite these hardships, his determination never wavered.

Realizing the need for flexible work, Raed applied for a mini pick-up truck. This vehicle would enable him to work independently, allowing him to be available for his disabled brother and sister whenever necessary. It promised a stable income which he needs to manage his family’s livelihood, bringing hope to their challenging circumstances. 

Rami's life took a drastic turn when his father passed away, leaving him as the sole provider for his mother and ill sister. For years, he worked tirelessly in construction, a job that took a toll on his body and left him with a severe back injury. 

In 2021, he transitioned to a new career in sales and marketing, where he relied on the company's vehicle to perform his duties. Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated, knowing his family depended on him.

Rami knew that owning his own vehicle would be a game-changer as his salary at the company would increase, and he could take on additional work, ensuring a more stable and better income for his family. 

Determined to improve their lives, he applied to the Micro Projects Program. His hard work and perseverance paid off when he received a new mini pick-up truck through the program.

Now, with his own vehicle and the increased earnings from his job, combined with the potential for additional work, mean that his family can have a more secure and stable life. The new mini pick-up truck symbolizes hope and the promise of a better tomorrow for Rami and his loved ones. 

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.