Micro-Projects is a livelihood-support program which helps family providers who had either lost their livelihood during the war, or aspire to be a productive and financially independent part of the community by starting their own income generating business. By financing their micro-projects, Christian Hope Center is helping Christian families to have a sustainable source of income, through the provision of equipment, machinery and tools. This will eventually mitigate the economic harm caused by increasing poverty and insecurity, preserve their dignity, and alleviate the calamities of war and the economic crisis, which will ultimately preserve the existence of an active Christian community in Syria. In addition to the Micro-Projects supported in Cities of Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, the program also supports families who rely on agriculture as their principal source of income in rural Homs.


702

Aleppo

704

Homs

324

Damascus

Laser Cutting machine


Bassil Faced all the harsh events in his life with great patience and resilience to make his long-deferred dreams come true.

In 2010, Bassil was called to serve his mandatory military service, but this period stretched for more than 5 years because of war. Due to his health condition, Bassil was discharged and was ready to go back to his life but unfortunately nothing remained the same after four years of war. Their house was damaged, and his job was lost.

Bassil...


Read More

Sewing Machines


Rita’s family has suffered a lot during the war, their agony started in 2016, when she and her husband Hagop were injured by a mortar shell explosion. Rita’s healing process took more than four years to go back to normal again but the worse was Hagop’s situation, his injuries have caused permanent damage and he lost his leg and his hand was hurt too. 

Hagop, who used to be the main provider of the household, lost his ability to work. In...


Read More

Sandwich Shop


For thirty years, Jebran Andrawos or “Abou Antoun” as everyone knows him has been diligent to offer his customers the best and most delicious food. His days used to start early with preparing his fresh ingredients, open his shop in Bustan Al-Basha and welcome his customers with hospitality and generosity. Jebran’s life was quiet and peaceful. His customers from all around the industrial neighborhood, would stop by his shop to enjoy his delicious food and chat with Jebran. And after...


Read More

Dental Laboratory


After his father’s illness, Nazaret had to carry great responsibilities such as caring for his father’s treatment costs, caring for his elderly mother, as well as repairing his house, which was severely damaged by the falling shells. Unfortunately, Nazaret’s father passed away, leaving his wife and son face the unknown future in times of war. 

Although Nazaret outlived the hardest days of war with minimal damage, but the financial difficulties prevented him from upgrading his business as he has long experience...


Read More

Plumbing Equipment


Besides the devastating direct effects of war, there are other collateral damages that the war caused not many of people are aware of, like losing several crafts. This is what happened to Pierre. 

Pierre used to work in heating systems installation and maintenance, he and his brother shared a shop and each of them was specialized in different services, Pierre was specialized in radiators, while his brother was a plumber. But by 2011 their shop’s location became under heavy fires, and...


Read More

Hairdressing kit


When it came to choosing his profession, Aboud made his decision a long time ago when he started working in several beauty salons while still young. Aboud was enthusiastic, ready to learn and eager to be a well-known hairdresser. His dreams were big and his ambitions were high but, unfortunately, the war had put him still. In 2015, to escape the dangers of Aleppo, Aboud and his parents went to Marmarita for couple of weeks only to extend their stay...


Read More

Taxi


One of the biggest challenges that face young individuals like Elias is the lack of resources and opportunities to build a career or prosper in a country beaten by war. 

Elias is 27 years old, who worked for a long time in office for driving licenses issuing. Although, it was a little far from his academic studies in the mechanical engineering institute, Elias’s job has made him closely knowledgeable about cars, and driving in general.

Being the sole provider of his family,...


Read More

Arts and wooden crafts


Art has always been a huge part of Fadi’s life, it is a talent which he recognized and tried to develop specially that it became the thing that made him endure the toughest times of his life, when he was living far from his family in Latakia, Fadi sought out a mentor to teach him about Iconography and he started to have regular learning sessions in a monastery. Fadi indulged in painting and perfected his skills and slowly turned what...


Read More

Espresso shop


It wasn’t easy for the 55-years-old Edgar, the father of two daughters; Evon and Joelle to lose his rubber-molding workshop, machines and all equipment, when armed groups entered the area where his workshop was located and he found himself unemployed with no clue about what the future would be like for his family who completely depend on him for their income. 

Edgar didn’t have the luxury of taking much time thinking, he had to act fast and find a financial solution...


Read More

Pick-up Truck


Yousef is 31 years old, father of "Abed" a lovely young boy. The former combat veteran most promising years were stolen from him when he was assigned in Damascus then later in Aleppo, to serve his reserve duty in war. The cruel experiences he went through had an unforgettable mark on Yousef’s life, but what will always stay in his memory is the multiple injuries he was exposed to in 2016, when the building he was assigned in was targeted...


Read More

Car inspection computer device


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


Read More

Sewing Machines


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

Nelly needed that job desperately, she had gone through many excruciating events from her husband losing his workshop in a blink of an eye, to her house being hit by missile forcing her and her family to move from...


Read More

Cosmetics Shop


Sawsan, a wife and mother of two, faced the challenges of her husband's tiring profession in stone cladding, which took a toll on his health. Despite the hardships, he persevered, as there seemed to be no alternative. Witnessing his struggles, Sawsan decided to take matters into her own hands to support their family.

However, fate had other plans when she suffered a stroke, leaving her unable to work or exert herself. Determined to find a solution, she wanted to open a...


Read More

Coffee Shop


After her husband's tragic death, Rimonda became the sole provider for their four children. Working for 8 years in a local coffee and sweets shop, she faced another blow when the shop owner decided to close it. Determined to secure a stable income for her family, she discovered the Micro Projects Program.

Realizing this could be her long-awaited opportunity, she envisioned establishing her own project, especially considering their village, Qattinah, had no other coffee shops. Rimonda applied for a coffee shop that would offer fresh coffee, chocolates, and juice. 

Fortunately, her project was approved, now, as an independent micro-business owner, Rimonda has not only created a source of income for her family, but also ensured a dignified life for them.

Electronic Devices Maintenance


Adnan, a retired electronic engineer living in Fairouza village, faced financial challenges after retirement, relying solely on a modest pension to support his family. Undeterred, he turned to his lifelong passion for electronic devices maintenance, a skill he cultivated since 1995. However, his work was hindered by the severe lack of electricity in his area and the absence of a suitable chair for his tasks.

Adnan, being the sole provider for his eighth-grade son, improved his work when a solar power...


Read More

Sewing Machines


Manal, a skilled seamstress, faced challenges after leaving her job due to the war in Homs, because she couldn’t travel every day between her village Qattinah and Homs city. 

Determined to support her family, she turned to her sewing expertise; despite having old machines, she lacked the means to start her small business. 

With perseverance, she sought assistance from the Micro Projects Program. Today, thanks to this support, Manal has the tools she needs, with renewed hope, she stitches together a brighter days for her husband Bashar and their two children in Qattinah. 

Mini-Market


In Fairouza village, Nassouh and his wife Fahima work side by side, jointly managing a mini-market they established in 2020 to provide for their family. Their younger son seeks better opportunities in Lebanon, while the eldest, resides with them in the village. 

The mini-market offers a variety of food commodities and dairy products. Recently, their thriving business encountered a challenge when the refrigerator stopped due to an unreliable energy supply. The inadequate power led to the spoilage of numerous dairy products,...


Read More

Mini-Market


Amany and Khalil, residents of Qattinah village, opened their mini-market back in 2005 in partnership with Khalil's brother, aiming to support their three daughters and son. 

In 2023, the couple had to take the full responsibility of the shop. Unfortunately, this weakened their capital, leading to a scarcity of goods and impacting their income. 

Desperate to save their livelihood, Amany turned to the Micro Projects Program and her application was approved, breathing new life into their mini-market. 

Now, restocked and thriving, the shop stands as their hope of securing a good life for their family. 

Olive, Almond, and Beans Land


In Qattinah village, Elias a farmer and family man, works tirelessly to provide for his wife and three children. 

Between the beans, olive, and almond trees in his precious land, he faced the challenge of soaring agricultural expenses, particularly the escalating costs of plowing that consumed his hard-earned profits. Being the sole provider, he juggled his time between farming and a mini-market job, just to ensure his family a dignified life.

The solution to this problem laid in having a mini-cultivator, an...


Read More

Welding Workshop


Salim's life took a drastic turn with the outbreak of war in 2011. A skilled car mechanic with a thriving workshop in the industrial area of Homs, he owned a house in Al-Sabeel neighborhood and a car. However, when conflict forced Salim, his wife, and their three children to seek refuge in Al-Arman neighborhood, his stable life crumbled.

Jobless and facing the harsh reality of war, he resorted to selling his car for survival. As chaos intensified, their house in Al-Sabeel...


Read More

Olive Land


Elias, a husband and father in the village of Qattinah, found himself facing financial strain as he and his wife, Nazha, worked tirelessly to provide for their family. With two sons living in Lebanon, he took on the responsibility of caring for their olive land. The cost of plowing weighed heavily on his shoulders, threatening their main source of livelihood.

Determined to overcome this challenge, Elias turned to the Micro Projects Program for support. Applying for a mini-cultivator proved to be...


Read More

Hairstyling


Nidaa, a retired civil engineer, and her husband, a retired teacher, faced financial challenges as their two sons pursued university education. In 2016, she took a bold step to work in a hair salon, learning basic hairstyling skills. However, due to insufficient income and the inability to work independently, she left in 2020. 

With the deepening economic crisis, Nidaa, determined to contribute to her family's income, decided to utilize her hairdressing skills at home, operating with minimal tools, which proved challenging,...


Read More

Floor Grinding and Polishing


Mamdouh and his wife Faten have faced many challenges since they were displaced from their home village, Al-Dwair, in 2013. With two children, they rebuilt their lives in Al-Arman neighborhood, residing in a rented apartment. 

The loss of their home, his job, car, and motorcycle were a devastating loss. He is a dedicated teacher since 1985, also had a career in floor grinding and polishing since 1976. However, his work was hampered by the lack of electricity and essential tools. The...


Read More

Floor Grinding and Polishing


Nano has been working in floor grinding and polishing since 1995, he faced numerous challenges over the years. With a family to support, including his wife and two children, his primary goal was to secure a stable income.

In 2013, the unthinkable happened, his family was displaced from their home in Al-Dwair village due to the war and forced to relocate to Fairouza village. Amidst the chaos, he managed to carry his equipment with him, a valuable asset he had preserved...


Read More

Photography Equipment


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...


Read More

Pick-up Truck


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...


Read More

Nail Care & Beauty Salon


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...


Read More

Blacksmith Workshop


Reineh Al-Hosh was born in 1997 into a family of craftsmen, Reineh's destiny seemed to unfold within the sparks of a blacksmith's workshop as his father, a seasoned blacksmith, toiled tirelessly at the forge.

From 2017, Reineh honed his craft across various workshops, absorbing every flicker of knowledge passed down by his father's skilled hands. Yet, amidst the clanging of metal, shadows loomed over his family as many health issues burdened his parents, casting shadows over his aspirations.

Reineh was yearning to...


Read More

Printing Center


Saadeh Nader, born in 1993, is married and residing in a rented house in Kashkoul with his parents.

Saadeh's professional journey began in the printing industry. Initially working in a print shop in Safita, he later ventured into freelance graphic design, harnessing his skills in graphic design from 2016 to 2020. Despite setbacks, including the closure of his father's marketplace, Saadeh remained resilient.

In 2020, he moved to Damascus and secured employment at Food Products Company, where he honed his graphic design...


Read More

Griddle Sandwiches


Osama Dawod hails from the war-torn region of Al-Zabadani, where destruction marred the landscape, leaving his family's home in ruins, forcing them to leave due to escalating violence, and settle in Bloudan holding onto hope and resilience.

However, despite financial constraints hindering his education, Osama's determination never wavered. He worked tirelessly, learning how to make Western snacks and grilled meals.

During that period, he took on various jobs to support his household, from working as a kitchen assistant to packing relief supplies,...


Read More

Hairdressing Salon


Youssef Halaweh was born in 1989 in Dwalaa, Damascus city, his father, once a photographer, planted in him a passion for artistic expression to become a talented hairdresser.

Youssef's career as a hairstylist began in 2010, initially focusing on women's hairdressing before transitioning to work as a hairstylist for presenters on television channels like Talaqi and Sama. Despite the professional success, his personal life was fraught with difficulty as his mother battled breast cancer and the financial condition of his family...


Read More

Pick-up Car


Meneam Salloum's life was marked by hardships but with his strong determination he was able to rise above all the challenges he faced.

he is living in Al-Abbasein with his retired father and two brothers, and together they faced numerous setbacks from losing his mother to grappling with unstable security conditions during the crisis, but he never let circumstances define him. 

Before the war started, he was working at his own shoe-making workshop in Jobar, but after few months of the war,...


Read More

Taxi


Rafy Al-Sahwy, born in 1982 and residing in Al-Dwalaa, faced numerous challenges in life. With his parents deceased and siblings married, he lived with his brother, striving to make ends meet. His journey through different jobs—from being a taxi driver to a private chauffeur and later distributing charcoal by bicycle—reflects his resilience amidst hardships.

The war and his father's illness forced Rafy to abandon his farming work at the village and return to live with his family in Damascus. Despite various...


Read More

Photography Equipment


Jean Baghdady, born in 1997, lives with his family in Jaramana. His father, Antoun, works diligently as a maintenance worker at Saint Paul Monastery trying to put food on the table at the end of the day.

Jean's journey through work has been diverse; from volunteering at the UN in 2017 to becoming a photographer's assistant from 2018 until the present day, he has explored various professional avenues. Additionally, he has been employed as a receptionist at Alberto Monastery since 2021....


Read More

Make-up Kit


Raneen Al-Eid is originally from Daraa, her journey took a turn when she shifted to Damascus to pursue her studies in commerce and economics back in 2010. However, her aspirations were rerouted as she got married in 2013.

Her husband worked in a cooling and refrigeration company, and he was trying his best to provide for his family but with the company closure, Raneen and her husband found themselves in the face of financial hardships.

With determination to support her family, Raneen...


Read More

Taxi


Khalil Al-Assaf, 34, carried the weight of responsibilities on his young shoulders, anchored by the memories of his deceased father. His world orbited around his mother, and his siblings: a sister, born in 1986, a school teacher, and a brother, born in 1987, who dedicated himself to volunteer work at the Sacred Hearts.

His journey began during critical conditions as he was called for service in 2010, where he stayed until his discharge in 2020, scarred by shrapnel wounds rendering him...


Read More