The RestarT project has also arrived in the city of Aleppo.
RestarT (Ripartire per Restare) is a project aimed at those who already have experience in the field of production and commercial activities, but who – due to the great crisis that has hit Syria from 2011 to today – are unable to start working again. Men and women receive support to realize their work project so as not to have to abandon the country and stay to contribute to the reconstruction after the war. This is not economic support, but rather instrumental goods necessary to start the professional activity. The first group of projects had already been started in the city of Homs. Since last October, AMU has also started operating in Aleppo.
First selected questions in Aleppo
The RestarT team in Aleppo examined the first applications submitted. They met with the authors of these applications and made an initial selection of 25 projects. Those who had presented them were then invited to participate in a training course on how to manage small businesses. The course took place on November 18th. Of the 25 initial projects, after the training, 15 remained: some had decided to withdraw because they did not feel ready to face the expected commitment. With these 15, RestarT began its work in Aleppo. Since December, the protagonists of the projects have been accompanied in starting their new businesses. The purchasing officer of the Aleppo team , together with them, looked for the first goods necessary for starting these small businesses. And he purchased them. What projects are these? Here are some: production of detergents; nail care and beauty; opening a minimarket; selling ground coffee.
The difficulties encountered
It has not been easy to take these first steps. There have been many difficulties, starting with transportation, because gasoline has become very expensive in Syria. Furthermore, the instability of prices and high costs have made it impossible to purchase the quantities of materials requested by the protagonists. But the RestarT team in Aleppo is moving forward quickly, trying to respect the work plan agreed with each person. So that each of these men and women can make a contribution to the reconstruction of their own commercial activity and the economic fabric of their country.
