The story we tell below is a real success for RestarT, because it seals a network of reciprocity between some of the project’s protagonists.
Roland’s talent
We have written about Roland’s talent for business here : about his strength in reorganising himself, his rigour in managing the commercial activity restarted with the support of RestarT and all the other qualities that had positively impressed the Aleppo team.
In two years, Roland has grown his business of spare parts for cars and buses, until his profit has increased and he has returned to the pre-war conditions. Now he is able to take care of the livelihood of his entire family, wife and parents. However, he has decided to take a step further.
The reciprocity of RestarT
This 44-year-old man has enthusiastically embraced the principle of reciprocity that is a fundamental part of RestarT : to those who 
who takes advantage of the project is provided with everything needed to start their own business, but will then have to return 50 percent of what they received in cash, and the remainder in the form of goods and services to offer to the community. Roland did not hesitate and immediately committed himself to financially helping some families who needed it. But he believed that this was still not enough.
The hand extended towards the other protagonists of RestarT
Roland started supporting some small projects that had not received the second funding from RestarT, because they did not meet the program’s criteria. By doing so, he wanted to strengthen the small businesses that had started in his city, Aleppo, and ensure that their owners did not lose faith in their abilities and work. He bought a considerable number of drinks and cardboard cups from Elias , the young man who runs a small cafe, which reopened in 2023. The young man was happy and grateful for this helping hand in a very difficult time for him.
He came to the aid of Michel, who runs a small food shop: the man was going through a bad financial period due to the lack of work, and was no longer able to pay the installments of the loan. Roland took care of paying the remaining balance himself and bought a large quantity of goods from Michel. Even in this case, the real benefit was not only economic: the help that Roland was able to give to his merchant friends in Aleppo has a value that cannot be measured with money . But Roland still has other projects to realize. We will see what other “gifts” he will give us.
