Small Project and Big Dream

“a small project makes me hopeful to lead a dignified life for me and my 8 member family” said Fatin Abu Daka, (35 years old), one of the beneficiaries of Livelihoods Creation and Economic Empowerment for Vulnerable Groups project implemented by Islamic Relief Palestine funded by Islamic Relief UK.

she said “I like knitting. I had an old sewing machine which used to break down while working on it. I used it for making clothes to me and my children in order to save money instead of buying new clothes from the market because it is expensive for us.”

Faten added “I always thought about improving the level of my family’s income, and to support my husband in order to help in home expenses.  My husband works, but his monthly income is no more than 150 dollars a month and this amount is not sufficient to secure the basic needs of my big family.”

“I went to apply for the Islamic Relief when I heard that it offers funding opportunities to small projects. I submitted a sewing project to open a sewing shop, I have very good experience but I do not have enough money to start a small project”.

She continued her speech, “Thankfully, after receiving the fund from Islamic Relief, I bought a new sewing machine instead of the old machine, I also bought an iron, and cloth. I rent a place to set up my project.

project and administration. Luckily, before starting the project, I got a number of courses provided by Islamic relief. In the end, I had the necessary skills that qualify me to make my project a success.”

She mentioned, “I chose to set up the project in an area which does not have a lot of sewing shops. During my first month, I got many customers. Then, I started to think about hiring another woman to handle all the work. This woman, whom I knew before, was supporting another big family”

“At the end of the first month, I made more than 200 US$. Therefore, I bought vegetables, fruits and other food like cheese, sugar and rice for my family. I also bought a more fabric needed for my project.”

Faten clarified, “I have ambition to develop my work during the coming months. I’m so excited because I intend to improve my living conditions in terms of rehabilitating the roof and installing windows and doors.”

“I’m very happy because I became a productive woman in my community and my self-confidence has increased. Everyone along with friends, family, and neighbors are proud of what I have done.

she concluded, “Thanks for Islamic Relief and for all its supporters, it helped me a lot and it put me on the right track”