About Alsama Studio
Alsama Studio empowers Syrian refugee women in Shatila Camp through traditional craftsmanship, providing sustainable employment and fostering personal growth. We celebrate resilience, promote cultural heritage, and create pathways to a brighter future.
Alsama Studio is a grassroots social enterprise located in the Shatila Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon. It ethically creates bespoke, hand-made embroidery art. The studio works to order, but has also developed its own collection that includes embroidered bags, pillows, clothing, and more. Each piece we create reflects the stories, resilience, and creativity of the Syrian women we work with.
How We Work
The studio is run as a social enterprise. It is financially independent from the Alsama Project. All of the money that the studio earns is invested back into the studio and the women. In 2 years, the studio has grown from 5 women, to 50. The women’s ages range from 20 to 45. Many of them have received only rudimentary school education.
Empowering Women Financially
Our studio aims to empower our artisans to be financially independent. Most of the women artisans are the sole bread winners of their extended families. Alsama Studio provides them the opportunity to support their families with a steady income. Of our women:
87% Are mothers
90% Are literate
57% Are now financially independent
Where We Work — Shatila Refugee Camp
Shatila Camp, located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, was originally established in 1949 to accommodate Palestinian 3,000 refugees. However, over time, it has grown into a crowded urban area with limited resources and infrastructure. Today the camp holds over 40,000 people, largely Syrians seeking refuge after the eruption of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.
The living conditions within Shatila Camp, as well as other refugee camps in Lebanon, are characterized by severe economic hardship, poverty, and limited access to basic necessities. The current economic crisis in Lebanon has increased the strife in the camps.
Many residents face challenges in finding stable employment because they do not have the right to hold a job in Lebanon. This results in high levels of unemployment and financial insecurity. The ability to afford rent, utilities, and other living expenses is a constant struggle for many refugees.
Shatila Camp is approximately one square kilometer and thus has an exceptionally high population density. Housing within the camp is typically cramped and consists of small, makeshift structures or multi-story buildings with narrow alleyways. The lack of proper infrastructure and maintenance can lead to issues such as poor ventilation, limited natural light, and unreliable access to clean water and electricity.
Despite the difficult conditions, the residents of Shatila Camp demonstrate resilience, strength, and a sense of community. Organizations like Alsama Project and the studio, as well as other NGOs, work to provide support, empowerment, and opportunities for the residents through initiatives such as education, vocational training, and income-generating projects. Efforts to improve living conditions, access to services, and long-term solutions for refugees in Lebanon are ongoing but require sustained support, resources, and collaboration from the international community.
To learn more about the history of Shatila:
Life in Shatila
Life in Shatila is not cheap. Even though it is a refugee camp, the inhabitants have to pay rent, water, electricity, gas, wifi – just like anywhere else. But most refugees can’t find work and therefore have to take on debts. Here is a breakdown of the monthly living expenses:
Rent: $200 – $250 (for 1 bedroom tiny flats)
Water/Electricity/Gas : $50
the water from the mains is salty, so daily drinking & cooking water needs to be bought separately
FAQs
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Yes, all products made by Alsama Studio are ethically produced. We prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. By supporting Alsama Studio, you are contributing to ethical fashion and making a positive impact on the lives of the artisans.
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Absolutely! Alsama Studio offers custom design services. If you see a product you like but want a different design, you can inquire about customization through our custom design forms on the website. We are happy to work with you to create a unique and personalized piece.
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The Alsama Project loves visitors. Please contact us via email if you would like a tour of our studio.
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Absolutely! Alsama Studio appreciates support in various forms. Apart from purchasing our handmade products, you can help spread the word about Alsama Studio sharing our website with others. Another impactful way to support us is by becoming a seller or collaborator. If you have a brick-and-mortar shop, an online store, or participate in street fairs and markets, we would love for you to consider selling our products. We also welcome donations of materials such as embroidery thread and textiles.
We value your feedback and would love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or inquiries. Your support is instrumental in our mission to create sustainable economic opportunities and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in Shatila Camp and beyond.