Tribune News Network

Doha

As part of its continued efforts to combat poverty and provide decent livelihoods for needy and low-income groups, Qatar Charity (QC) has been implementing economic empowerment projects in 27 countries across the world. These projects cover various professions, crafts and transportation sector. The programmes are set to benefit more than 40,000 individuals and are expected to be completed by next year, with the total cost exceeding QR115 million.

This announcement coincides with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated on October 17 each year. This year’s theme is ‘Decent Work and Social Protection - Putting Dignity into Practice for All’, emphasising the importance of providing everyone with access to decent work and social protection as essential elements in upholding human dignity.

As part of these efforts, the ‘Scale Up’ project was implemented by QC in collaboration with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and with technical support from the SPARK organisation. This project focuses on empowering small and medium-sized Syrian companies that had to leave their homeland due to the crisis, helping them grow and thrive.

One of the success stories resulting from this programme is that of Taher Al-Haj Muhammad. Originally from Aleppo, Syria, he was engaged in cosmetics and aromatic oils in his home country. However, the Syrian crisis forced him to seek new opportunities in Turkey, where he began working in 2018 and licensed his own company in 2019.

Managing a small startup in a foreign country presented Taher with numerous challenges, including navigating different laws and business cultures. However, he was determined to seek opportunities for growth and success.

Taher learned about the ‘Scale Up’ project initiated by QC, aimed at expanding the growth of small and medium enterprises in Turkey. Participants in the programme receive comprehensive technical support.

Taher applied to join the project and was accepted as one of 200 participating companies. Over three months, he underwent intensive training, covering topics such as financial management, risk management, product marketing and brand management. What made the project especially valuable for Taher’s company was the guidance and support offered by trainers, who visited his workplace to assist in overcoming obstacles and improving his digital systems.

As a result of this project, Taher attended a business forum organized by QC, where he had the opportunity to meet other companies and investors. This helped him establish several agreements and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Thanks to the technical support and training provided by the ‘Scale Up’ project, Maxonal Cosmetics, Taher’s company, expanded its operations to cover various regions in Turkey and even began exporting its products to countries such as Australia, England, Germany and Egypt. The company has achieved remarkable success and is committed to further expansion and development in the future.