In the bustling city of Tripoli, North Lebanon, there lives a resilient woman named Elham. At the age of 35, she has already endured more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. She arrived in Lebanon in 2011, seeking refuge from conflict that had disrupted her life and community.
Elham is a mother of six children, all of whom rely on her strength and determination. Life as a refugee has not been easy, but she has refused to let her circumstances define her.
One day, Elham came across an initiative called “Kowetna B 3amalna,” which was supported by the Fostering Refugee Leadership project. The project is implemented in Lebanon in partnership with local and international partners and aims to enhance the preparedness and sustainability of refugee-led initiatives. “Kowetna B 3amalna” is a grantee initiative by Basmeh & Zeitooneh that focuses on empowering refugee women by providing training and resources to upcycle clothes and create unique designs for sale.
Although Elham had no prior experience in sewing or design, she saw this as an opportunity to learn new skills and create a source of income for her family. With hope and determination, she decided to join the initiative.
At first, Elham found the process overwhelming. Past experiences had affected her health, including damage to her vocal cords, which made communication and learning more challenging. However, the supportive environment and encouragement from the project mentors motivated her to continue.
As she participated in the training, Elham gradually gained confidence. She learned how to design on paper and transform her ideas into clothing.
In addition to technical skills, the initiative provided psychosocial support sessions, which played a key role in her healing journey. She found a safe space to express her emotions and rebuild her sense of control and stability.
With new skills and renewed confidence, Elham completed her first set of five upcycled garments. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she held them up. “I felt that I can produce,” she shared.
As her journey continued, Elham faced moments of doubt while balancing work, motherhood, and her health. However, seeing the results of her efforts strengthened her confidence, and she witnessed how her work contributed positively to her community.