March 27, 2025
News
In the town of Karamles, Iraq, Rama carefully measures and assembles pieces of wood, shaping them into furniture that will furnish homes across the region. As a carpenter, Rama has dedicated himself to a craft that has been in his family for generations. Despite the challenges brought by conflict and displacement, he has successfully rebuilt his livelihood with the support of Caritas Czech Republic.
A family tradition revived
Karamles, like many towns in Iraq, suffered immense destruction during the ISIS occupation. Many families were forced to flee, and when they returned, they found their homes, businesses, and infrastructure in ruins. For skilled workers like Rama, restarting a business in such conditions was discouraging. Jobs were scarce, economic opportunities were limited, and many people had left the area in search of stability elsewhere.
Despite these challenges, Rama was determined to restart his carpentry business—a profession that has been passed down through his family. “This workshop is part of my home, so when I work, I feel at home as well,” he explains. The ability to work from home not only allows him to continue his family’s legacy but also provides stability and comfort.
But working with outdated tools and limited resources made it difficult to produce high-quality furniture efficiently. Without financial support, securing modern equipment and materials was incredibly challenging. Caritas Czech Republic stepped in to support Rama through its economic recovery programme. With a grant from Caritas, Rama was able to purchase essential carpentry tools and machines, significantly improving his workshop’s productivity.
“Before, we struggled to complete certain tasks because we lacked the necessary equipment,” he says. “Now, our work is easier and much more productive.”
Beyond financial support, Rama also benefited from business training provided by Caritas Czech Republic. He learned important skills such as how to develop a business plan, manage finances, and calculate profits and losses. “The training helped me understand how to expand my business and make it sustainable,” he states.
The challenges and rewards of carpentry
Carpentry is not an easy trade, and Rama knows the risks involved. “The machines are sharp, and there’s always a risk of injury,” he says. “You also need to be highly precise with measurements—every cut and calculation has to be perfect.” Despite these challenges, Rama finds great satisfaction in his work, particularly in assembling individual pieces into a complete piece of furniture. His favourite creation? “A bed—a sleeping bed,” he says with pride.
Currently, Rama’s workshop consists of three workers—himself, his father, and another employee. Together, they serve customers from Karamles, Karakosh, Mosul, and surrounding areas. With a growing customer base, Rama is optimistic about the future. “Our goal is to expand the factory, acquire new machines, and continue developing our work step by step,” he shares.
Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq
As he looks ahead, Rama remains thankful for the support he has received. “I would like to thank Caritas Czech Republic and its members for their assistance. The training and grant have been invaluable in helping us develop our buisness.”
The road to recovery in post-war Iraq is long, and small businesses play a crucial role in restoring local economies. Many skilled workers, like Rama, just need access to funding, equipment, and training to rebuild their livelihoods.
By supporting entrepreneurs like Rama, organisations like Caritas Czech Republic are not only helping individuals regain financial independence but also creating stronger communities.
Rama’s story is one of many successes supported by Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq. Since 2015, Caritas has been working to promote social and economic inclusion for vulnerable communities. With funding from Agenzia Italiana Per La Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) and in partnership with Condivisione Fra i Popali (CFP), the organisation has provided grants, training, and essential resources to help individuals rebuild their lives.
“There are many people with skills who just need a little support to achieve their dreams. I hope to continue growing my business and helping others do the same,” as Rama says with a smile.
Thank you for helping with us.
