Dalal's encouraging story of mouneh (provision)
Dalal is 37. She is married and has one son and three daughters.
The family lives in a large city in Syria that has been heavily affected by the years of conflict. Dalal's husband is a construction worker and all four of their children are still in education.
‘During the war, we were displaced from our house,' Dalal says. ‘We moved to a village in a more rural area, where we stayed for six years.
‘We came back after the war ended, but our neighbourhood had been a frontline in the conflict. Our building was damaged and our home was destroyed. The walls were completely destroyed.
‘Then, after the earthquake, my husband's work declined. So, I came up with the idea of making El Mouneh** to help support my husband and children.
‘I heard that [Tearfund's local partner] provides support for small projects like the one I wanted to start. Thanks be to God, my project proposal was accepted!
‘I attended training on small business management. It was very useful and we got a certificate when we completed the course. Then, I started work on my project.
‘I make Makdous***, pepper paste, tomato paste, and all kinds of jam. I also preserve olives in season and pomegranate molasses. All types of mouneh!
‘There are specific seasons for making the various El Mouneh [because of the fresh produce used], so during the rest of the time I make sweets.
‘Especially during the holidays, I make Eid cookies, and I thank God that there is a great demand for my sweets!
‘Through [Tearfund's partner's] project, I was able to buy a freezer to preserve the El Mouneh so that they retain their nutritional value and do not spoil. I also bought a kneading machine and an electric oven.
‘And I thank God that everyone who tries my products comes back to buy them again!'
Preserving produce… and education and wellbeing
And Dalal's small business has not only been a success in terms of finance and people's enjoyment of her products. ‘I've even improved psychologically,' she smiles.
‘Even though I wasn't able to complete my education, I now have a profession that I've been able to develop and am benefiting from.
‘Psychologically, it has been such a relief to be able to contribute to my family and become a woman who is productive. At least today, I can meet any of the needs my children may have.
‘I would like to thank [Tearfund's partner]. You have given us the strength and support to start our projects again.'
You can read more stories from Syria on our website here, here and here.
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*What is an IDP/refugee?
People who have been forced to flee their homes and find safety in other places within the country are often referred to as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Refugees are those who seek safety across country borders.
**What is El Mouneh?
Mouneh is an Arabic word meaning ‘provisions' and El Mouneh refers to the preparation of food in ways that preserve the fresh produce for use throughout the year. This can include making things like pickles, jams, herbal teas, syrups, tomato paste, olives, herbs (such as zaatar), dried vegetables, and even frozen labneh (a delicious yoghurt-y cheese made with goat's milk) or kishk (dried yoghurt mixed with bulgur wheat).
***What are Makdous?
Makdous are tiny eggplants preserved in olive oil and stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, red pepper, garlic and sometimes chilli powder. They are traditional in the Levant region. (The area where Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria are.)
