LocationsA New Beginning: Sarah's Story from Grief to Growth
October 2, 2024
Sarah, from Diyala, remembers the year her world fell apart. Her son, Mohammed, was diagnosed with cancer, and she and her husband were forced to sell everything they owned to try to save him. Before this tragedy, they ran a thriving food supply store, providing for their community and restaurants. But life dealt with them differently. Despite their desperate efforts, Mohammed passed away, leaving them not only heartbroken but also financially ruined.
The death of their son left Sarah and her husband not only heartbroken but also financially devastated. With their source of income gone and no job opportunities in Diyala, Sarah's husband had to seek work in Baghdad. He commuted four days a week, leaving Sarah alone in Diyala to cope with both her grief and their dire situation. Yet, in the midst of their darkness, a glimmer of hope began to emerge.
Sarah received training and a grant from of United Nations Development Programme’s Building Resilience through Employment Promotion (BREP) programme that allowed her to buy basic equipment, including a large mixer, pastry-making supplies, an oven, and a refrigerator to display cakes and food products. These resources helped her to stand on her feet once again. The grant, part of a larger initiative aimed at supporting young Iraqis, gave Sarah and her husband a chance to rebuild their lives and start fresh.
Today, Sarah’s work is more than just a food business. It’s a beacon of resilience. She expanded her menu to offer a variety of traditional Iraqi breakfast meals and pastries, which attracted a growing number of customers. As demand for her products grew, Sarah dreamed of involving her husband in the business. She plans to buy a motorcycle so he can help deliver orders, easing his burden of working away from home.
Her business success has brought significant financial relief. On some days, Sarah earns as much as 60,000 Iraqi dinars, providing a decent living for her family. Her ambition didn’t stop there—she also hired female workers during busy periods like Eid, creating jobs for others in need.
Sarah’s journey has become a symbol of hope for many women in Diyala. She has shown that even in the face of devastating loss and hardship, it is possible to rise again. Her story demonstrates that with perseverance and support, dreams can be achieved, no matter the obstacles.
Sarah’s story is a remarkable example of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve success. Through his determination and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme’s Building Resilience through Employment Promotion (BREP) programme, in partnership with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (HRF) and with generous backing from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, Sarah transformed her dream into a tangible reality.
This initiative not only helped Sarah rebuild her life, but it also made her able to rebuild her life from the ashes of her grief. Her work is now known for its quality and distinctive taste, offering her a new lease on life and proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope for a brighter future.
To date, over 1,181 small and medium-sized businesses like Sarah’s have been supported through grants, training, and mentoring, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams and overcome life’s challenges. Sarah’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience.