Do you remember Hatem?

Hatem, one of the protagonists of RestarT that we have already met, was a painter from the city of Homs who had lost his job: a wound to his leg, a legacy of the Syrian war, had forced him to stop. Then, with the support of RestarT, he had opened a small paint shop. We went back to see him to see how he is doing… …and we are very satisfied, not only for the good economic results that the business is bringing him, but also because Hatem has found a new enthusiasm in practicing his profession. His life has changed in many ways . Health first: Hatem underwent leg surgery and now moves with more confidence and ease among the stacked paint cans inside his shop. Then the work: he lives off the income from his shop, which is also very well known in the neighborhood because it sells quality products at great prices. With thirty years of experience in the sector, he started holding painting workshops to teach others his trade. Finally, and most important of all, reciprocity: Hatem offers his paints to those who can’t afford them, without ever making his generosity felt. Starting this income-generating activity has produced another effect , which is one of the motivations for the RestarT program. Hatem had been planning to leave Syria for some time. to move to Brazil and build a better future for his children there. He intended to sell the store’s goods, close everything down and immerse himself in a new life elsewhere. But the success of his professional activity stopped him: he didn’t feel like abandoning his roots now that things were going better. He no longer feels like leaving Syria. And indeed, his plan now is to expand the business by selling ceramics. The company that supplies him with paint products has proposed that he become a reference sales agent in the region. This is also a great success for the RestarT program: staying in Syria to start over here, together with his community, to believe in the future of the country.