Ahmad Rafif Al-Ftaih, born in 1977, is an IDP living in Al Hasakah City, married with children. Being blind, he was unable to find job opportunities and could not provide for his family’s basic needs. The family’s hardship doubled as they fled their home.
One of SSSD volunteers met him and helped him obtain initial approval on his project proposal. As the saying goes a thousand miles journey begins with a single step, he received financial and emotional support from SSSD team. He was enrolled in an entrepreneurial management course to train him on running his start-up small business project. Within a short period of time, Ahmad launched his audio services project.
The project radically changed the family’s livelihood conditions, it covered their needs and helped Ahmad build social relationships and overcome the isolation he used to suffer from because of his blindness.
Ahmad stressed that point by saying, “Not only did this project generate money, but also it gave me the opportunity to communicate with people and thereby be an effective individual in the community. My disability did not stop me from being part of this world, it was the means to reach what I wanted.”
The principle of “follow your heart” was Ahmad’s core belief and he relied on it to embark his life change journey, with the support of the Syrian Society for Social Development, his dream became true!
Saleh Al- Hmeidy, born in 1989, married with children, served in the army and lost one of his legs during one of the battles. Saleh fled to Al Hasakah city and was not able to provide for his family’s basic needs or put a shelter above their heads.
He could not accept his new reality, he continuously felt helpless, particularly with his disability that made it impossible for him to find a job. He was devastated for being dependent on others to fulfill his daily personal needs. As days went by, the man gradually faded away and lost his passion and strong will, especially with the stagnant economy conditions.
In one sunny day, one of SSSD volunteers met Saleh and as they were talking his hope was reignited. The idea of running a repair shop for mobile phones came to light, which of Saleh could substantially improve his livelihood conditions and emotional wellbeing.
The Syrian Society for Social Development financially and emotionally supported Saleh. He was enrolled in an entrepreneurial management course to train him on running his start-up small business project. Within a short period of time, Saleh launched his project and his dream became true!
The small project had great impact on Saleh and his family, it covered their needs and instilled relief and happiness into their hearts while living in their new modest home.
Saleh affirmed this substantial improvement by saying, “I am no longer disabled, I do not feel incomplete. I am capable of meeting my family’s needs. This project has given me a lot of happiness and hope.” He added, “I have the courage to fight the hardships of the future.”
The principle of “carry on regardless of your imperfections” was Saleh’s core belief and he relied on it to embark his life change journey, with the support of the Syrian Society for Social Development, his dream became true!
In order to support livelihoods and securing a source of income for needy families and unemployed people, the Syrian Society for Social Development In cooperation with the UNHCR and in coordination with Tartous Agriculture Directorate, distributed small pastoral projects that included (sheep - cows) for a number of beneficiaries in Banias - Sheikh Badr and Qadmous.
"Thank God, we do not need to ask for help from people, now I can support my children from my own work" This is what one of the beneficiaries said, who is a breadwinner woman who supports her children. She's got a small pastoral project; and expressed her happiness and belief in the importance of hard work for the sake of her children.