Stories

Lebanon success story - Donna 2024

Donna, the Designer Queen

Donna, a mother of three from south Lebanon, is a testament to resilience. Despite the country’s economic and currency crisis, which significantly impacted her husband’s military income, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to providing for her family, including their daughter with a disability.   Before Near East Foundation met Donna, she had been employed …

Donna, the Designer Queen Read More »

Strengthening Homes and Communities in Morocco 

The people of Morocco continue to feel the impact of last September’s devastating earthquake. Homes were badly damaged or destroyed, and livelihoods were lost. Many people living in the High Atlas Mountains, where weather conditions can be harsh, lack adequate shelter or the means to recover.   Near East Foundation (NEF), in partnership with Islamic Relief …

Strengthening Homes and Communities in Morocco  Read More »

Vergine’s Bakery

“The fear that I cannot make it, cannot have a bakery, or run a business, disappeared and I decided to find a space for my bakery. After long searches, we finally found and rented the space.” In 2020, Vergine lost her husband in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. She was one of many grieving Armenian women …

Vergine’s Bakery Read More »

Azganush Saves Up For a New Home

In 2022, NEF launched STRIVE, a new countrywide program in Armenia helping local charitable organizations improve resiliency and sustainability and increase the capacity for innovation. Grants were awarded to 24 Armenian organizations to fund projects making a positive and lasting impact on communities.  Azganush lives in Zovuni, a rural village in the Armenian marz (province) …

Azganush Saves Up For a New Home Read More »

Innovative Entrepreneurs Making an Impact

“The Youth Climate Innovation Incubator gave me the vision to transform research work into a sustainable solution that contributes to the development of our society.” Samia Samia and Nadia, two students at the Cadi Ayad University and co-founders of the Shrimp Green Water (SGW) start-up, are amongst the many entrepreneurs participating in NEF’s Youth Climate …

Innovative Entrepreneurs Making an Impact Read More »

Nohad’s treats that touch hearts

Nohad embarked on a transformative journey driven by her participation in NEF’s business development training program. With the grant she received of 1,200 USD, Nohad envisioned elevating her bakery, inspired by her innovative spirit, she introduced a “plat du jour” or dish of the day to complement her already delicious Manakish products.  This addition proved …

Nohad’s treats that touch hearts Read More »

Celebrating Farah

Frustrated with her job in travel and tourism, Farah, 25, dreamed of running her own business. She had a long standing interest in photography and videography, but it was when she became involved in the Development Impact Bond (DIB) project, her dream became a reality.  After being accepted into the DIB’s first cohort of participants, …

Celebrating Farah Read More »

Manaf from Iraq

“A person should not mentally limit themselves because of a physical disability.” Manaf opened a vegetable stand with support from Near East Foundation. He had ambitions to own his own business but didn’t know how. The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and NEF have partnered with Iraqi Al Amal to support over 1,000 …

Manaf from Iraq Read More »

Thank you! Your message has been sent successfully!