We sometimes definitely need a dose of strength to change the reality that obstructs realizing out ambition

Ms. N.W., 25, married with a 5-year-old daughter and displaced from Eastern Ghouta, Beit Nayem, lives with her family in a rented house in Rural Damascus, Jaramana.

During the tours of the outreach volunteers in the area, while introducing the local community to the services provided by SSSD, they met Ms. N.W. and had a chat with her. Crying out her need of support, as she was living, in her own words, “in an extremely stressful situation” due to her husband’s daily abuse, ORVs invited her to register at the community center to receive the appropriate service.

When she came to the CC and explained her situation, she was referred to the Psychosocial Support Programme. After taking part in the SSSD women’s sessions for a while, N.W. was referred to the PSS case-manager, as well as to the GBV case-manager, who, in turn, proposed that she gets a startup small business grant—a sewing workshop—, as this would be likely to empower her, make her self-reliant and, at once, relieve the terrible stress she was experiencing.

Upon her consent, Ms. N.W. attended an entrepreneurship course where she learned how to manage a project, handle an accounts book, etc. The woman expressed her sheer delight with “so much self-confidence” she gained from the course and fellow participants.

After the training, she was interviewed by the UNHCR and SSSD SSBG officers and her project proposal was accepted.

Not long after she had launched her small business, we made a follow-up visit to the workshop she had rented. During the visit, and through the conversation with her, the financial stability of the business was obvious. She told us that she was able to network with some school outfitters, so she could supply them with some of their needs in terms of modeling and sewing. She further said she was now able to secure a kindergarten premium for her daughter to learn and stay in a safe place during her working hours, which gave her inner comfort and peace.

In her own words,
“Whatever I say will fall short… I’m now able to depend on myself, be independent financially and morally, and therefore take the step of filing for divorce… I rented a house on my own. Work is good, and both my mother and I are working in the workshop. She also can buy the medicine for my sick father. This small business is like a weapon that made me stronger, more self-confident, so that I could change my circumstances for a more secure and stable life and, at the same time, help my parents…”
 

Greatness isn’t necessarily defined by making history, but rather by conquering despair and failure, regardless of one’s background.

This is the story of a little lily that flourished at SSSD’s Dafa Center in Saydeh Zaynab.
Z.S.Z is a baccalaureate student. She radiates hope, and is a living proof that a successful person never surrenders to despair and failure.

Her story all started from the area she resided in, which remained under siege for several years. With limited resources and money, she had a father with specific needs, who needed special care and health supplies.

Unfortunately, none of the latter was available until they were finally able to leave the besieged area. However, displacement was no less severe than the siege.
All these unfortunate circumstances made Z.S.Z a desperate, sad girl who could barely afford something to eat.

Nevertheless, this did not break her spirit. She never gave up on her dream to complete her education in order to help her father and family. Still, she faced many obstacles, such as their dire financial situation and the expensive special educational courses.

Luckily, she heard of SSSD’s Dafa Center from one of her neighbours. Once she went to register there, the educational staff received her with open arms. She was assisted with all the available means and educational methods, with the aim to fill all the missing educational gaps. Also, she was provided with stationery and school supplies to pursue her educational attainment.

At the end of the school year, everyone was thrilled to witness the little flower’s success, and she was celebrated and honored by the Center. Her story left an imprint in everyone’s minds and hearts. "There are no words that could describe such moments… The taste of success is indescribable, and I cannot thank you enough for all what you have done for my daughter!" Expressed her parents.

Every time our lily carried a book, her life flourished. Thus, despair was conquered.

RN, a 17-year-old girl, dropped out of school to work with her mother and help her provide for the rest of the family, due to her father’s health condition that left him unemployed.

The girl was referred to the Case Management Programme (CMP), where it was suggested that she should continue in the 9th grade courses, since it was observed that R N was smart and determined to complete her studies. Evening courses were the most convenient to her, and she was provided with the stationery and books needed.

Hence, she started attending the intensive courses during the first and second semesters, then continued in the pre-exam courses.

Before committing to the educational activities, Rama was an introverted and hopeless girl, especially that she was one of the GBV cases.

However, she was followed up by the CMP. Additionally, her commitment was followed up, and her papers were submitted to the Ministry of Education (MoE) so that she could take the High School certificate exam.

Rama pursued her studies very hard, and gained the will and determination to continue her studies despite all the difficulties she faced. She also had classmates to discuss and exchange ideas about studying as well as other things. When it was time to take the exam, Rama was filled with confidence and gave her very best.

Eagerly awaiting the results, everyone at the center was filled with joy once Rama’s results came out, as she had had excellent grades that qualified her to continue her high school studies. Her joy was tremendous, and she hugged us with tears of joy in her eyes. She thanked us for believing in her potential and encouraging her.

She never thought of continuing her studies after she dropped out of school. It was a difficult dream for her to attain, and we helped her achieve it.

Rama is now committed to the Center's courses until she passes the Junior High literary official exam.

Her new dream is to graduate from university in hopes of becoming a teacher and helping girls who are going through the same circumstances and difficulties she faced.