"A person without stability is like a flopping boat in the ocean of life"

Raffi was only 9 tears old when he and his mother left their hometown Al-Raqqa and moved to Aleppo looking for a better life after the death of his father, their family's backbone.

His father's absence caused Raffi trauma and a constant lack of safety. He had to handle the family responsibilities, and face life circumstances at a very young age. Since they moved to Aleppo they lived in rented houses and are always threatened of being displaced. During the war, they fled the shells to Damascus and lived there for a while at his uncle's house.

Raffi tried to work in many different domains, starting with goldsmithing, then in clothes workshops. In the end, he settled down on car furniture upholstery; he worked in this craft for about nine years, and had a good relationship with his employer. After gaining much experience, Raffi decided to rent a room at the same workshop he works at, and purchase some upholstery machines to establish a small project of his own. 

He still needs support to buy all the needed upholstery equipment, so applying to the Micro Projects was his first choice. Raffi is now able to have a stable business and secure the family's livelihood.  

Syrian people's lives were affected tremendously by the war and poorness which came along with its devastating outcomes.

Antoine is a father of four girls; two of them are married and the other two are still at school. He has to work 3 jobs to secure his family's livelihood and pay the school fees for his daughters. He works in the mornings as an employee, and in the afternoons, drives a rented taxi, in addition to fixing electrical devices in his free time at home with a simple kit which he borrows from his workplace. 

Antoine's wife Lina has always stood by him, working as a cleaner in a school and supporting her family. Due to the war and dangerous shells, they had to leave their home for a few months and stay in a rented apartment to escape the fatal situation. 

Since life has dealt him a heavy blow, Antoine applied to the Hope Center wishing to get help to purchase a taxi for the first time in his life and become independent in his work, which will give him and his family a stable income for a better livelihood. 

Moving to a new country is supposed to be a phase full of hope, but in Vache's case, he was forced to leave his dear home after it was hit by several shells being on the last floor. He also searched for a suitable job in order to stay but couldn't find anything, so he decided to take his family to Armenia in search of a better life. Unfortunately, after two months, he couldn’t stay there because of the high costs of living.

Vache's vast experience in car mechanics started back in 1995, as a simple worker in his brother's workshop until 2011.

"I was left without a stable job at the beginning of the war for three years, working with my simple tools in the street to survive, until someone decided to help me by renting me a place in exchange for my work and half the profit." 

After that difficult period, he worked with some partners but kept waiting for an opportunity to move on his own. Due to his great passion for his work, he sold his car, and with some savings bought a workshop.

Vache's ambition and his constant quest to provide a better life for his family encouraged him to apply for the necessary tools and equipment. This hardworking man has always been determined to continue and this support will ensure the sustainability of his successful career. 

War has no mercy, especially when a young man has to face it alone with no support. 

Somar was only sixteen when he started working in plumbing with his uncle, he gained good experience in this craft before the war started, in 2011 he moved to Lebanon after his village in Idleb was out of reach. 

In 2017, Somar and Miray got married in Lebanon where he was working for a plumbing company, but unfortunately, his wife started suffering from kidney failure and lupus; due to the expensive medical costs there, they came back to Aleppo and rented a small house.

Somar started working again with his uncle, who is a beneficiary of the micro initiative, and his wife got a job in the church library with a small salary.

This humble young man suffered many hardships throughout life, but he still has a dream of having his own plumbing business, to secure the family's livelihood needs and provide the needed treatment for his wife.

He applied to the Hope Center for the needed equipment that gives him independence in his profession, in addition to improving his ncome.

Everyone has dreams from a young age about their future careers, and they try hard to achieve them. Elias was one of those people who started working in an Aluminum workshop at the age of eighteen. 

“It’s hard for everyone to lose their business, my tools and equipment are gone along with my workshop, and I haven’t been able to return to it before. All this damage and loss from the war took its toll on me.” 

When Elias started practicing a career that he loved, he brought out all his creativity and skills. Before the war, he had his own workshop and tools which was specialized in customizing Aluminum doors, windows, and all kinds of home items, but in 2013, he was called to serve in the military. Within the period of his service, Elias worked in repairs, and he remained updated in his career. His wife also started helping him by teaching at homes to face the high costs of livelihood.

Now, Elias wants to start over with his business after 9 years of service, especially since the lovely couple was blessed with a newborn baby girl, so the responsibility increased, he rented a workshop and applied to Micro- Projects to get all the necessary tools and equipment, and his project was approved. 

“With this project, I can secure a better living for my family, and I’m blessed to have this opportunity in life.

Over ten years of war have passed, and the displacement increased a lot. Antoine and his family fled their home for 4 years due to the shelling and the dangerous situation of the area, but their house wasn't spared from the damage.

Antoine was working as a salesman in the field of car spare parts in 2009, The lack of work opportunities in this field prompted him to look for another job being the only provider for his family, so he started working as a driver to increase his income. Then, his wife started working as a kindergarten teacher to help her husband with the income, and his son gave some lighting and sound devices he has for occasions' rentals. 

Antoine gained his experience as a result of his work with a transportation company since 2016, he thought that having a taxi would be suitable for him considering his large circle of acquaintances from factory owners and spare parts traders, in addition to transporting his son devices. 

This project has brought new hope into this family's life, by working on this pickup truck which is also more suitable for Antoine's health condition. This project will allow him to secure a decent life for his family, hoping to overcome all past hardships.

Many people seek to have a source of income and a good means of income to live with dignity, as well as to employ their abilities, but they need some help to start their project. Maral was one of those people who sought to develop herself and gained much experience.

 and with the help of her husband, she wanted to apply for her project to achieve her dream and to be a project for her and her family.

Maral is a mother of three, living with her husband and her son, who recently returned from Lebanon to help his family. He started working on a lathing machine and his second job was as a barber, Maral's husband worked as a chef, in addition to his experience in sewing.

She learned this career through practice in a sewing workshop since 2010, with time she was able to buy two sewing machines to work from home as well, until 2019 when the workshop closed, which she considered a turning point and started thinking about opening her project.

Maral and her family used to live in her family's house, but during the war it became a dangerous area, so they moved to an acquaintances house and stayed there throughout this period.

She decided to start working from home with the help of her husband to reduce the production costs. With the new sewing machines Maral will achieve her dream of getting her independence by dedicating a room in her house to become her workplace which will make a huge difference in her career and future income.

Accidents are a part of the human experience, causing injuries and sometimes permanent harm in more serious cases.

When Habib was still very young, he was subjected to an electric shock as a result of holding an electricity pole which caused damage to his fingers that had to be amputated after several operations trying to save them. This injury prevented him from performing many daily tasks, he could only work in a few fields, but Habib said: "Believe in what you can do and you're halfway there."

Habib still had the hope to work despite his injury, but his work was limited to selling clothes at first. After that, he moved to a shop that sells electrical parts, and when the business owner traveled, he started working in a supermarket in addition to food distributing for an association.

The family's house was slightly damaged as a result of the shells. But Habib's determination to work prompted him to apply for a taxi because his income was no longer sufficient during the difficult economic conditions.

The taxi will improve the income greatly and Habib can work on it despite his condition. He refused to give up despite all the challenges he faced throughout his life, having a taxi would hopefully compensate for the years he lost and help this strong man to start a new chapter.

Zohrab is a young man who had to face life's hardships at an early age, he left his education and started working when he was only 15 years in mobile and computer maintenance, to help his parents provide the daily needs.

He worked in this domain for about 4 years. He also worked as a vendor in a pharmacy for one year, then as he became 18 he was called for military service. Zohran spent the next ten years of his service in the electronics section, gaining experience in this field.

After the service finished, Zohrab submitted for an electronics maintenance course to improve his skills and follow the fast developments in this domain. He earned the certificate with an excellent degree. But he didn't have a personal laptop, so he started using the one in the clothes shop that he was working for to fix mobile phones.

Due to the hard living conditions, all the family members had to work to provide a decent livelihood, especially after the father passed away due to a heart attack, after all of the stress he went through trying to get a visa for his family, but only the younger brother was able to get the chance and travel to France.

Despite these harsh circumstances, Zohrab refused to give up. Instead, he focused on his goal of initiating his own maintenance work, so he rented a place with the church aid and applied to the Hope Center to purchase the needed equipment to become a freelancer and ensure a better livelihood and more stability of his business. 

“Living apart from our sons is very painful and dreadful". That’s how Jack and his wife described their loneliness of having to live alone after their two sons had to travel abroad looking for a better life away from the war and the unemployment situation they faced at the beginning of their youth.

jack started his professional life as an employee in a governmental foundation. When he retired, he rented his relative's taxi and worked on it for about two years. Later, the taxi owner sold it so jack switched to driving a private school bus, in addition to working as a truck driver for a medical factory.

Due to the war, the hard financial situation, and all the stress he suffered after his sons leaving, losing safety and stability of income, Jack's health was harshly affected; he had a heart attack, which caused him permanent vocal disability. After all those difficulties, Jack was still determined to work and be productive so he became an office boy at his neighbor's supermarket to secure his livelihood, but that job wasn't suitable for his medical situation or his age.

Jack applied in the Hope Center for a taxi, this support will provide the family with a better income and hopefully bring peace of mind for this lovely couple.

"We are the residents of the new Jisr Al-Shughur village. We fled the area, leaving our home and lands, even our clothes and memories there. We came to Aleppo, without hope, not knowing where to live, trying to start over.” Dawood spoke with sadness. He is one of the people who lost all their properties, homes, and jobs, and their whole lives changed when the war came along.

Dawood had been working in the police department for 31 years, and upon retirement, he wanted to find another source of livelihood, so he took a sewing course trying to enter that field, but it didn't work out. His eldest son works in a sewing workshop and is now responsible for his family expenses, trying to help his father as much as possible. The rest of the children haven’t finished their studies yet.

During the war, the family went to Latakia for two years escaping the shells, but after the situation in Aleppo settled, they returned to it and lived in the aunt's house until she decided to come back too, and now, seven people share living in this small house.

Dawood started working for a company in the countryside with a low salary. Having a taxi would help him transport the employees he works with every day, in addition to working all afternoons and evenings shifts on this cab to make better use of it and secure a good income for his big family. 

The war's impact affected Sami on several aspects of his personal and professional life, starting when he and his family; consisting of his wife and two beloved sons, were displaced from their home due to the shells.

They are now living in the uncle’s house, with minimal furniture, no fridge or washing machine.

After he was an employee for about two years, Sami became a driver of various types of vehicles, starting with a rented taxi. Later, he had to travel to Lebanon for two years. After he came back to Aleppo, he worked for a busses' company for five years.

As the war accelerated, the situation became worse, the company was closed leaving Sami unemployed for a while. His wife started working with elderly people, taking care of them with a small salary. At the same time, Sami was hired as a school bus driver at his son’s school, but the livelihood became very expensive. He was forced to find another job so he can properly support his family. 

Because Sami’s profession throughout his life was always in driving, he applied to the Hope Center for a taxi. This project will give him a stable source of income that can provide a better livelihood and a more promising future for his family.

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.