Mohammed’s small business in Gaza has kicked off, thanks to your support. Mohammed, 20 years old, sup­ports his father, who is unemployed. A new father him­self, Mohammed works hard to provide for his family by producing aluminum doors and windows in his work­shop.

But with poor materials and little equipment, Moham­med was unable to produce high-quality products. Through UPA’s Small Business Development program, Mohammed qualified to receive business training, which helped him improve his standing in the market and keep up with demand. UPA also provided new equipment and machines for his shop, which has allowed him to in­crease the quality and quantity of his products.

“I was worried about the future of my small busi­ness. But with UPA’s support, I’m confident that I will continue to develop it and satisfy my customers with high-quality products.”

• According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Hu­manitarian Affairs (OCHA), Gaza’s unemployment rate is 44 percent, an increase from 2016.
• Unemployment among Gaza’s youth is at a staggering 60 percent. The Small Business Development program aims to shrink those numbers, and the immense suffer­ing they entail, one business at a time.

Shifa, who is 25 years old and also lives in Gaza, was desperate to make ends meet for the family. Her father works in a falafel shop, which kept the family on the brink of poverty. Shifa had completed her vocational training to become a tailor but was unable to start a business on her own.

“In the first month of having my own store, my profit doubled compared to the salary I received working in a smaller shop. “

Once UPA’s staff in Gaza heard about her situation, UPA stepped in to make that dream a reality. UPA provided Shifa with a new sewing machine, raw materials and business training needed to successfully launch her own business.

“I am confident I can expand my business and one day helps other families as I’ve been helped.”