Stories of Syrian refugee artisans
Posted by MADE51 Team on
After more than 12 years of crisis, life is becoming harder for Syrians inside and outside their country.
As the crisis continues, hope is fading. With the devastating impact of the earthquakes affecting Türkiye and northern Syria and increasing poverty, every day is an emergency for Syrians forced to flee.
We're working with Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Türkiye, Armenia, and Jordan to create hope by providing livelihoods through local social enterprises.
Here are some of the stories of Syrian refugees artisans in these locations.
Meet Ola, a Syrian refugee living in Jordan and working on the Proud Camel ornament.
Ola is a 24 year old Syrian refugee living in Jordan since October of 2013, when she arrived with her parents, brother and 3 sisters.
When she arrived in the Zatari camp, Ola met Mei Hayashi, the founder of Tribalogy, MADE51's local social enterprise in the region. Mei decided to help Ola by offering work creating the Proud Camel ornament. Mei taught Ola how to use her hands to shape the Proud Camel ornament, and wrap it with thread.
"Besides the fact that the camel is symbolic to our history, it also sends a message about endurance, survival, and stamina even in difficult circumstances," say Ola about the importance of the Proud Camel to her story.
"The thing I like most about this work is that our products, which are being produced in the Zatari camp here in Jordan, can reach people overseas and add happiness to their lives. I want to wish those people all the happiness and peace, and thank them for their support."
Ola plans to use the money she makes from her work creating the Proud Camel to help cover her medication costs.
"In the future, when I have children, I hope my work can show them that everyone should believe that they can create a better life for themselves and their family."
The Proud Camel is also available as part of the Peaceful Journey Trio in the MADE51 Holiday Collection.
Get to know the Syrian refugees living in Türkiye and working on the Brave Ibis ornament.
Meet Emine, 54 years old, Hala, 22 years old, and Refif, 33 years old. They are all Syrian refugees living in Türkiye and working on the Brave Ibis.
When did you come to Türkiye and with who?
Emine: I came to Türkiye in 2013 with my young children.
Hala: I came to Türkiye in 2016 with my family.
Refif: I came to Türkiye in 2017 with my children.
Tell us about your craft.
Emine: I crochet toys, which I learned from my neighbour.
Hala: I do embroidery and crochet toys. I learned the art of toy crochet from my mother. When she was younger she used to make sweaters and booties for babies and kids.
Refif: I crochet toys, which I learned from my mother.
What kinds of items do you usually make?
Emine: I crochet toys and ornaments, like the Brave Ibis and the Dancing Shoes for The Container Store. I also crochet children's winter pyjamas.
Hala: I crochet toys, plus the Brave Ibis and the Dancing Shoes.
Refif: I crochet toys and the ornaments.
Why is this work important to you?
Emine: I feel happy each time I finish a piece.
Hala: I feel like I'm giving something back to society and I'm filling my free time with work I love.
Refif: It is very important as it is my livelihood.
How does working together in a group with other women make you feel?
Emine: It makes me feel good, understood and less alone.
Hala: Working with the other women creates a scene of collaboration and sisterhood.
Refif: It gives me courage to face the future.
How does your work help or support you?
Emine: It helps me fill up my time, stay busy and of course make an income.
Hala: I got a lot of support and help, and learned that women have power and that they can do whatever they dream of even if they are at home.
Refif: I'm able to work from home while taking care of my children.
Is there a message you would like to send to the people who purchase the items you are making?
Emine: I wish people around the world who buy the products made by us know how much value they carry.
Hala: That the toys you bought, we made them with lots of love.
What benefits can you see among your fellow artisans and their families when you have orders? How would more regular orders help?
Emine: We help one another.
Hala: With more regular orders, we could share the orders in a more equitable way among the artisans. Regular dependable income would take away some of the hurdles of life.
Refif: Everyone is happy to contribute financially to their family expenses. No one likes to sit and do nothing. Being busy feels great, and of course money helps.
What is your dream?
Emine: I am dreaming about going on the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Hala: I want to work a lot, expand my skills and raise my children well.
Refif: I would love to see the rest of my family.
The Brave Ibis is also available as part of the Syrian Symbols Trio in the MADE51 Holiday Collection.