Reference :
V-P-IQ-E-02247
Date :
11/10/2018
Caption :
Mosul. This man abandoned his welding shop because of armed conflict. With the ICRC's help, he was able to reopen it and build himself up back again.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
ICRC website, article of 30.05.2019: Small projects bring life back to the streets in Mosul
Various small and medium businesses in the Old City of Mosul are supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross as life gradually returns to the streets and people resume their lives. Some business owners have restored their activities to pre-conflict levels while others are gradually recovering. And some even earn a higher income than ever before.
Micro-economic initiatives (MEI) are income-generating programmes implemented through a bottom-up approach, with each beneficiary identifying and designing the assistance received to run a small business.
[...] Faris Ali is a blacksmith by trade and a resident of the Old City of Mosul. He described his life before war: “We lived in good conditions and were comfortable. We were doing a brisk trade. The business provided me with a net income of 3-400,000 dinars per week and the ability to spend money. Each member of my family owned at least a house and a car.” When the war ended, he felt reborn. However, living conditions were more difficult as Faris lost both his workshop and his house. During the war, he had to work as a daily labourer, but aspired to reopen his shop.
The war affected everyone, and it was not easy for Faris to find support until he learned about the ICRC’s programme. “I was drowning in troubles and they rescued me,” he said. Faris reopened his blacksmith’s workshop. Business is booming because everyone wants to rebuild their house. “The ICRC provided me with a means to earn a livelihood,” he says. [...]
ICRC-implemented MEIs are a type of assistance that require that beneficiaries possess a mix of skills and motivation to achieve the desired business results. [...] Throughout 2018, 96 cash grants were given to small business owners in the Old City of Mosul who had lost their businesses due to recent conflict.
Resolution :
6016x4016
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
