ARC is on the cusp of sponsoring two micro-enterprises. One of these is a small convenience shop for the Al Kahlil family in response to the father, Okba’s business initiative. Okba has been working seven days a week: five days digging crops and the other two days selling produce at a market to support his wife, Rana, and their two small children (Lamar, two years old and Gelnar, 14 months old). The family has been in Turkey for more than one year after fleeing their war-torn Syrian home. There are few refugee camps in Turkey. The family of four previously lived in one small one room, but ARC has supported their move into a modest two bedroom apartment with a kitchen and bath. Okba has been inspired to create a business plan to support his family. The start-up costs are $1600 USD. Okba, who has managerial experience, will run the shop with some assistance from Rana, a skilled baker, who will create sweets at home to sell at market, while also tending to the children.
In his previous life in Syria, Okba studied business administration at the University of Damascus. He worked as a manager of a food market and lived with his wife, Rana, and their young son, Lamar. When war conditions erupted, Okba lost his mother, his brother, his job, and his home. Okba and Rana, who was pregnant at the time, fled with Lamar to Turkey. Gelnar was born prematurely, and with medical issues, including respiratory problems.
The family is now living in an ARC-funded apartment, and Okba is ready to use his market and managerial experience in order to provide for his young family.
Okba’s business plan needs are as follows –
Store rental and shelving 3000 TL (Turkish Lire)
Stock 1000 TL
Salary until some profit margin 2400 TL
(40TL per day x 5 days x 12 weeks)
———–
6400 TL
We welcome your questions and your support in our efforts to help Okba, Rana, Lamar and Gelnar. ARC is working in cooperation with Lin Brown. For additional information, please contact Lin at