Karam Foundation

Annual Report 2021

“When I walk into Karam House I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

- Bayan, Karam House student and future leader

Karam Around the World

In 2021, our work, team, and supporters were vastly spread across the world. Click through to see Karam’s global reach.

Where our team is located

US: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York.
Our team is 71% Syrian!

Where our reach/impact is

Finland, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Jordan, South Africa, Turkey

Where our supporters are

Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.

Where our Board Members are

California, Connecticut, Illinois, London, Massachusetts, New York, Washington.

The place where leaders are made

People at Karam House gain essential entrepreneurship skills and critical thinking abilities to guide them in building the bright futures they deserve.

Innovative Education

Hands-on, in-person, and virtual design studios exploring topics like technology, automation, augmented reality, urbanism, architecture, social impact, fashion, health, journalism, and media.

Students enrolled

Girls

Boys

Kits distributed

Studios taught

Karam graduates

Girls

Boys

Haya, Karam House graduate

“At Karam I began to think outside the box in terms of what is actually possible. The sky is definitely the limit.”

-Majd Alkoutaini, Karam House student

Abdullrahman & Hanan

Karam Families

Helping all members of the family get on track toward increased resilience and self-sufficiency through cash stipends, awareness workshops, and education.

Families
served

Children supported

Single mother households empowered

"I am very grateful for the Karam Families program. Now that my family has graduated, we’re motivated to push ourselves even further into full independence. I constantly think about my future, the future of my family, and how I can be the best version of myself for everyone around me.”

- Sufian, Al Mohamad Family

Karam Scholars

Empowering a generation of university students with the tools needed to build their bright futures.

Scholars supported

Volunteer hours completed

13, 0

Check-in calls to scholars during the academic year

Students attended scientific forum

Youth attended motivational and support sessions given by the scholars at Karam House

+ 0

Scholars in Jordan and Turkey graduated university

“The Karam Scholarship came at the perfect time. Work was really taking a physical toll on me. When I got accepted into the scholarship, my mood changed, my perspective changed, and my outlook changed. I poured all my time and energy into my education, and I could see the difference in myself and my grades. I was very proud of myself.”

-Abdulrahman Abuzaid

This year, we’ve continued on our mission to empower refugee youth, families, and scholars on the journey to leadership.

In 2021,

leaders are on this pathway.

A Year of Community

10 Years of Revolution

March 2021 marked the ten-year anniversary of the Syrian Revolution. In respect of this heartbreaking milestone, Karam CEO Lina came together with Josie Naughton (ChooseLove), Wafa Mustafa, Waad Alkateab (Action for Sama), and Ghalia Rahal (Mazaya Center). 10 Years of Revolution was graciously hosted by CNN journalist Clarissa Ward.

Creating a Community of Hope

In honor of World Refugee Day, we hosted our second annual virtual benefit honoring and supporting Syrian refugees. Hosted by Omar Offendum, we raised $125,297 for the future of Syria. Thank you for your support!

The Walk with Amal

Little Amal, a 10-year-old 3.5 meter puppet, was separated from her mother at the refugee camp and embarked on an 8000km journey to find her. In summer of 2021, Karam House students learned about Amal and built her a suitcase and filled with gadgets, games, letters, and memories from home. Then in July, as the launch partner for The Walk, we met Amal in Gaziantep, Turkey, gave her the items, and sent her on her way.

Scroll to see photos and explore the Amal studios and student projects below.

Karam House Graduation

In September, 41 students in Istanbul and Reyhanli took part in a virtual graduation ceremony where they celebrated their accomplishments and successes with friends, family, and other leaders. Congratulations to the class of 2021. We can’t wait to see what you conquer next!

Simple as Water Screenings

In November, our team partnered with Oscar-winning director Megan Mylan on her film, Simple as Water, documenting the heroic journey of four Syrian families across five countries. From coast to coast, we joined the filmmakers to speak with viewers on the impact of the Syrian conflict and ways they can support Syrian refugees.

Karam Nights

In December, our Storyteller hosted a virtual poetry event highlighting the voices and work of poets from around the world. Together we experienced an immense sense of community and support for Syrian refugees. If you’ve missed this evening full of poetry and music.

If you missed this evening of poetry and music, watch the event below.

Karam Bayati Medley

By Abdulwahab Kayalli

Remembering Jihan

With deep regret and sadness, we announced the loss of our dear friend Jihan in October, who passed from COVID-19. Jihan played an instrumental role not just in our lives, but in the lives of the women she supported through the Ghar initiative she founded.

Jihan started Ghar with a goal to provide opportunity for Syrian women impacted by the conflict to support themselves and their families. Ghar employs over 50 women in Syria and Turkey. These women make the Scents of Syria soaps, masks, pouches, and cases sold on our Karam shop.

Today, the work of the women behind the soaps continues, with Jihan’s daughter moving forth with her mother’s legacy. Karam continues to support the women by selling the items they create at events and at our store online.

In 2021, the Scents of Syria sold

$16, 0 .19

worth of women-made products.

Financials

Expenses

*These are Karam Foundation’s unaudited financials. For the most accurate and up-to-date financial information, please refer to our audited financial statements on our website.