Beauty; Raja's road to success

Raja’s family lives in the centre of Yabad, a large town of 13,640 inhabitants (in World Vision’s West Jenin Area Development Programme). The family who used to live a normal middleclass life now faces poverty, need and fear as a result of one event.

 Raja’, a 34-year-old woman and mother of three children (two of them are sponsored children), have lived in difficult conditions since her husband fell on his back while at work. The injury rendered him unable to work.

“This accident changed our life and my destiny,” said Raja’, with a sigh. “We were not able to support ourselves [anymore] and the house that we started to build in our town became an impossible dream.”

 Habeeb, the 15 year old boy and Raja’s oldest son, described his family’s situation during that period: “We used to live in a very small house, with only one bedroom for all of us (my parents and we the children), a kitchen, and a bathroom. My father became unable to work, and our relatives started to support us with very little money (about $25 USD once every week or two)."

Raja' with her three children. Photos by Afaf Abu- Dayye

With no other options, Raja’ started to look for work in order to support her family. Initially, she found work styling her neighbours’ hair for a nominal wage.

Habeeb also started working to help his mother provide. “I worked with my cousin on his tobacco field during the summer, so I can help my mother a little at least,” said Habeeb, with high sense of responsibility.

Raja’ registered in her village’s women’s centre. She soon became an active member, working in the canteens project, funded by World Vision at that time, which aimed to enhance the healthy food options in schools and among students in addition to improving the living conditions for families and women working in the project. At the same time, Raja’ worked part-time in another woman’s salon as hairdresser.

One year later, World Vision announced a vocational training for women interested in the field of hairdressing.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard about the training, I was so excited because I like this field of work and I have the talent for it,” she said. “I was afraid that I will not be able to afford it, but it was for free except for the transportation fees,” she recalls, excited.

After she finished the six-month training, Raja’ rented a small space to open her own salon. Her relatives helped her to renovate, clean, and paint the place as a loan. She worked hard and many of the clients she had had at the other woman’s salon followed Raja’ to her new facility.

“My mom is the best in her field,” said Habeeb. “ She was the first in the training class and World Vision chose to support her with new equipment and tools for the saloon, ” he added.

Soon women started to hear about her and she became famous among women in their village. Because of her hard work, talent and good reputation in the area, her business grew and her family’s living situation started to improve.

“Before my mom worked, we did not take any allowance to school,” remembers Reyad, 13, Raja’s youngest son. “I didn’t get to buy anything. And, when I asked her for toys or sweets, she said that we didn’t have any money,” he recalls.  “Now I take allowance [to buy snacks at school]. And, when I ask her for things, she [often] buys them for me. I love the fact that she is working and earning money for us,” he added.

“When my mother started working, she was worried about us, about leaving us home for long time,” recalls Habeeb. “But, we told her: ‘don’t worry mom, we can take care of each other, you can go to work,’”

“The first money I received from my first client was about $12 [USD],” remembers Raja’. “[It] was like a treasure to me. My family was very happy with that money, especially as it wasn’t from other people or a loan. It was our money,” said Raja’, with lovely smile. “Now, I work hard. I’m well known in my village and I make a decent salary especially in the summer season (because there are a lot of weddings, and social events).

The first 12 $ I recieved from my first client was like a treasure to me.

This is not only a story about economic projects and income generating for families, it’s also about empowering women, improving family unity, patience and determination to survive. Each member in this family had a role to play in order for the family as a unit to be able to stand up against bad conditions they found themselves in. They sacrificed in order to hold on to their dream of building their new home. Recently, after years living in a small cramped house in poverty, Raja’ family moved to their comfortable new house.

 “When we were in our old house, I didn’t have a place to play,” remembers Reyad. “The house was very small and the street in front was dangerous, with lots of cars. My mother wouldn’t let us play there. In our new house, we have a small yard in front where my brother and I play, and there is enough space inside the house to play together as well,” added Reyad.

 “[Today], Reyad and I have our own room, separate from our parents and little sister, this is much better and independent,” said Habeeb. “I will keep working during the summertime so my work will not affect my learning in school. Working will help me to save money for my future and makes me feel responsible and independent,” he added.

 

“In my darkest days, World Vision was there for me, like the lifeline that pulled us from the dark to the light and to a brighter future” 

 

"World Vision has shown its grace toward me personally and toward all women like me. I was lucky to benefit from its projects (canteen, training, and equipment) in different stages of my life,” said Raja’. “In my darkest days, World Vision was there for me, like the lifeline that pulled us from the dark to the light and to a brighter future,” she concluded.