Waleed, a hardworking farmer from the village of Qattinah, faced some challenges in providing for his family. Besides cultivating his land, he worked as an employee to ensure an additional income for his household. His family consisted of his wife, Reem, a dedicated school teacher, his son, Antoun, who was in the eighth grade, and his daughter, Sarah, who was in the fifth grade.

His land was his pride and joy. He diligently cultivated various crops, including beans, fruit trees, and walnut trees. To aid in the process, he had a water well and a water pump installed, along with a drip irrigation network. However, plowing the land had become an increasing financial burden. Waleed was forced to rent a tractor, which strained his resources and caused him to reduce the frequency of plowing from three times to just once. Unfortunately, this had a detrimental effect on the land's productivity.

In attempt to find a solution, he applied to the Micro Projects Program, seeking assistance. Through the program, he was supported a mini-cultivator, a trailer, and various plant treatments. This machinery would revolutionize his farming practices. With the mini-cultivator and trailer, he could efficiently organize the plowing process, eliminating the need for expensive rentals. Moreover, the equipment would significantly improve production. Additionally, the plant treatments provided would save him costs associated with spraying the trees.

Waleed's spirits soared as he realized the positive impact these resources would have on his family's livelihood. The mini-cultivator would relieve his financial burden and enhance the land's productivity, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come. With his newfound tools and treatments, he could look forward to a brighter future, providing for his beloved wife and children while nurturing his beloved land.

Samih, a retired government employee and lifelong farmer from the village of Qattinah, is a devoted husband and father of two children. Living under one roof with his wife, children, and elderly mother-in-law, he has always worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

During the war, his once-prosperous land suffered greatly. The warehouses were destroyed, and all the trees were mercilessly cut down. Despite these setbacks, he remained resilient and determined to rebuild his farm.

With two plots of land situated just 500 meters apart, Samih started the restoration process. He began by planting young almond trees and vegetables on one portion, while the other half was divided between grapevines and crops like wheat and potatoes. To ensure proper irrigation, he relied on two water wells in one of the lands, while the other land was watered using hoses. He borrowed money to purchase a motor for the water sprayers, a crucial investment for his farming operations.

When he learned about the Micro Projects Program, he saw an opportunity to improve his irrigation system further. Realizing that he only had one line of water sprayers, he eagerly applied for assistance in the form of compost and additional water sprayers. The support provided by the program would undoubtedly enhance his production and bring him one step closer to reclaiming the prosperity he once enjoyed.

With unwavering determination and the newfound support from the Micro Projects Program, Samih continues to nurture his land, embracing the hope of a brighter future for his family and the flourishing farm they call home.

Rakan is a farmer from Qattinah village, who has faced a lot of challenges throughout his life. As the only son in his family, he has taken on the responsibility of providing for his parents and sister. From a young age, he embraced the life of a farmer, toiling tirelessly on the land.

However, his life took a devastating turn when their house, situated on the outskirts of the village, fell victim to the ravages of war. With their home destroyed, Rakan and his family were forced to seek refuge in his grandparents' house at the center of Qattinah village. It was a period of hardship and displacement, but they hoped for a brighter future.

In the midst of these difficulties, another challenge arose when Rakan was diagnosed with lymphoma. His resilience and determination were put to the test as he underwent a year and a half of radiation treatment. Against all odds, he emerged victorious, beating the disease and emerging stronger than ever.

Although his family's land was planted with wheat and potatoes, they lacked the necessary resources to maximize its potential. The land required additional support in the form of fertilizers and various vegetable seeds to enhance production. Furthermore, Rakan needed new water sprayers for irrigation, as the ones he had were stolen during the war. To improve plowing efficiency, he applied for a mini-cultivator, which would revolutionize his farming methods.

He turned to the Micro Projects Program for assistance, with the aid of fertilizers, seeds, water sprayers, and a mini-cultivator, Rakan's farming capabilities expanded exponentially.

With renewed hope and a renewed commitment to his passion, he embarked on a new chapter. The once-barren land flourished, yielding bountiful crops.

Through determination, unwavering perseverance, and the assistance of the Micro Projects Program, Rakan turned his dreams into reality, ensuring a brighter future not just for himself, but for generations to come.

Life had thrown several challenges in Rami's way, but he never lost hope. Living with his parents and sister, he worked diligently alongside his father in their plumbing requirements shop, a small business he joined in 2020.

However, their journey hadn't been without its share of hardships. In 2013, when conflict erupted in their city, their house found itself in the midst of the clashes. Forced to flee for their safety, the family had to leave their beloved home behind and seek refuge in a more secure neighborhood. They spent two years there, hoping for a day when they could return.

When the fighting subsided, Rami's family eagerly made their way back, only to find their home ravaged by bullets and shells. Despite the damage, they did their best to repair what they could, but their resources were limited. It was during this trying time that a local organization extended a helping hand, offering support and assistance to restore their house.

Although the family found solace in having a roof over their heads again, the economic consequences of the conflict had a lasting impact on their livelihood. The plumbing requirements shop remained their sole source of income, but the economic downturn had taken its toll. Rami and his father struggled to keep the shop stocked with goods, hindering their ability to generate sales and secure their future.

Rami took matters into his own hands. Determined to revitalize the business, he applied to the Micro Projects Program. He saw this as an opportunity to replenish the shop's inventory and improve sales.

With optimism in his heart, he awaited the outcome of his application. He knew that if he got this opportunity, he could breathe new life into the plumbing requirements shop. He dreamt of expanding their offerings, attracting more customers, and securing a brighter future for his family.

Regardless of the challenges they had faced, Rami remained resilient. His unwavering dedication to his family would serve as a beacon of hope, guiding them through the darkest of times.

When Kaleem finished studying at the electrical institute back in 2010, he decided to finish his mandatory service, which was supposed to last for two years. However, the vicious war started after only one year, and Kaleem was kept due to the unstable situation and wasn’t discharged until 2019!

At the same period, his home village Al-Dwair was attacked by armed groups; his family was displaced for six years and lost their house, livestock, and the agricultural equipment they had. 

Today, after the unfortunate death of the father, the family returned and Kaleem is living with his mother and three brothers, and they are doing their best, trying to compensate for a part of the losses. 

Kaleem lost nine years of his life and didn’t have a former experience in any field but in farming, and the land is his only way to have a sustainable source of livelihood.

He applied to the Micro Projects Program hoping to revive his agricultural activity and establish a good future.

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.