“The Sweet Kind of Fatigue”: How Donia Pays for Her Studies
At twenty years old, Donia from Kfar Rumman lives with her parents and sisters in a simple household. Her father drives a taxi, her mother manages the home, and her sisters either study or contribute through modest jobs. Donia has always wanted to help her family, but Lebanon’s economic collapse made life increasingly difficult.
Before the crisis, her ambitions felt close at hand. She dreamed of pursuing photography and video editing, but the sharp rise in living costs forced her to set these plans aside. With only her father and one sister earning a regular income, the family struggled to afford even their basic needs. Donia often gave up her own personal desires to save money and lessen the weight on her family.
Her chance to contribute came when she discovered a Cash for Work project through a post shared by the Kfar Rumman municipality. Implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the German Government through KfW Development Bank, the project gave her the opportunity to take part in waste sorting initiatives, as well as road and garden cleaning campaigns.
The work was demanding, but it gave Donia a sense of independence and pride. “Work is never shameful,” she explains. “It builds character, and I would rather earn my living than depend on others.” With her earnings, she was able to cover her university tuition and support her family during some of their hardest months. “It is a sweet kind of fatigue,” she says with a smile. “Because I know I am providing for myself through my own effort.”
Donia during her work as part of the Cash for Work project
Beyond income, Donia gained new skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to her community. She learned responsibility, teamwork, and the value of contributing through her own labor. Today, she studies Social Sciences at the Lebanese University while working remotely with Dir Maki Loris. She still dreams of continuing her education, enrolling in professional courses for photography and editing, and one day serving on her town’s municipal council. Above all, she hopes to capture people’s real-life stories through her lens.
Looking to the future, Donia wants to show other young people that even in hardship, opportunities can be created. “Be strong,” she says. “Whatever your circumstances, challenge them. Work with dignity and turn difficulties into opportunities. With determination, you can build a better future.”
Her story reflects how Cash for Work projects, implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the German Government through KfW Development Bank, can give young people not only income but also the confidence to pursue education, support their families, and look ahead with purpose.
