Rebuilding Lives Through Livelihoods
We know that in the the wake of conflict and displacement, livelihoods are more than just a means of income—they are the foundation for recovery, dignity, and stability. Our goal is for the most vulnerable to build resilience and exit humanitarian aid.
In 2024, our livelihood programs impacted 2,968 individuals across northwest Syria and Türkiye, providing critical opportunities and resources to generate income, develop skills, and recover with dignity.
Our livelihood program includes three core components:
Mohammad’s Story: Cash-for-Work
After being injured in the conflict, it was difficult for Mohammad to find employment to support his family of five girls. When SARD started rehabilitating schools and markets in Mohammed's neighborhood in Aleppo, he applied to participate in SARD's Cash-for-Work initiative linked to the rehabilitation projects. Thanks to the short-term job placement of supervising the workers on the job-site he was able to pay for his and his family's needs and not rely on food baskets.
“This project is truly remarkable, it served our area and our children. As war survivors, it reassured us that you are hear, you can work, you can still earn a livelihood and provide.” — Mohammed, Aleppo
Watch the video above to hear Mohammed’s story.
Rana’s Story: Three-Phase Vocational Training Scheme
16 year-old Rana now dreams of becoming a dress designer after participating in SARD’s pilot youth vocational training program. Aleppo, Syria.
After years of struggling with isolation, 16 year old Rana joined SARD’s pilot youth vocational training program in Aleppo for adolescents aged 15–18. You can watch a video of the initiative here.
“I stayed home for a long time. I never left the house. I got quite lonely.” — Rana, Aleppo
The Vocational Training program is designed to align with local market needs, ensuring that participants gain in-demand skills and realistic pathways to employment. It follows a three-phase structure: vocational training, apprenticeship, and job placement. Training in sewing, Rana gained confidence through real-world experience, began interacting with customers, and started dreaming big.
“Now I dream of opening a sewing workshop and creating unique designs. I want everyone to know my name as a talented dressmaker,” she shared proudly.
Ali’s Story: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
56 year-old Ali, proudly showing off his new shoe repair equipment he purchased with a cash grant from SARD. Gölbaşı, Türkiye.
In the quiet town of Gölbaşı, in Türkiye, Ali Kılınç ran a small shoe repair workshop - an inherited trade passed down from his father. Over the years, he cultivated his skills, becoming a trusted craftsman in the neighborhood.
“The earthquake destroyed everything. I lost my shop, my source of income. It felt like the ground was pulled from beneath me…When I received the support from SARD, I felt like someone cared about me and my family. It was a lifeline."
With a cash grant from SARD, Ali purchased a professional shoemaking machine, basic tools and materials for his revamped container workshop. He also participated in a comprehensive training program for small business owners covering basics of small business management, pricing and customer relations, machine maintenance and safety, and financial planning.
“After the training, I began seeing my craft not just as a job, but as a big opportunity. Now, I work with confidence and plan to expand my project. I want to open a bigger workshop and train youth in the craft."
At SARD, we believe that when people have the tools to rebuild their lives, they also rebuild their communities. So whether it’s through a newly paved road, a revitalized container workshop, or a young girl rediscovering her potential—livelihoods are a pathway to recovery and self-reliance.