"I lost my home, my health, my life savings, and my source of income revolving production of clothes. I lost all hope in life," said Mrs. O.M.O.
Mrs. O.M.O, born in 1987, is an IDP coming from Aleppo and currently living in a rented flat in Al Qamishli City.
The outreach volunteer team attached to the Syrian Society for Social Development (SSSD) met the married woman along with her five children (3 males, 2 females) and later accompanied her to Beit Al-Kel Community Center, where she was nominated to receive a small business grant to launch a production workshop of Majales Arabia. Initially Mrs. O.M.O was enrolled in an entrepreneurship training course "to learn the basics of starting one's own business", as put by her.
Afterwards, the woman was interviewed by officers from UNHCR and the start-up small business grants program offered by SSSD to assess her business proposal and experience. Her proposal was approved and she was granted a sewing machine, an overlock sewing machine, and some raw materials (e.g. sponge and cloths).
SSSD team conducted several follow up visits to assess the woman's progress and it was easy for the PIC to witness the improvement of the woman's livelihood conditions.
The positive vibes were even visible in her words, "I enjoy the blessings of each new day. I gain more strength each and every day."
As days went by, the woman expanded her business and bought additional machines depending on her surplus profit.
She continuously works on improving the quality of her work and developing her skills.
Financial aid might initiate favorable change in people's lives; however, real change is about the art of giving infused with love along with the nurture of talents and experiences. And this is what the Syrian Society for Social Development aspires to achieve through its start-up small business grants program that is designed to reach out to the most vulnerable people.
"I am happy to pass my artisan experience to other people, especially the ones who have passion and enjoy being independent, the ones who are in need for support. I received unconditional support and I am working on giving back to the community. I started off with my kids and neighbors," the resilient woman revealed.