Hannah’s Story of Dignity and Hope: STITCHED Program
At more than 80 years old, nothing hinders Hannah from being active and productive.
A displaced woman from a frontline village on the border in South Lebanon, Hannah spent much of her life working in the fields and earning her own income. Her hands were a source of strength, independence, and dignity.
After being forced to leave her home because of the war, Hannah found shelter in a facility supported by HOPEww Lebanon. There, she had the opportunity to learn crocheting through a STITCHED-supported activity.
Learning a new skill at her age was not easy. Her hands were weak, and the small, repetitive movements required for crocheting were challenging. But Hannah was determined. She listened, practiced patiently, and kept going.
Rather than believing she was too old to learn, she chose to try.
For Hannah, crocheting became more than a new skill. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and the joy of creating something with her own hands again. It also offered an opportunity to contribute and maintain a sense of independence despite displacement and physical limitations.
Hannah’s story is a reminder that dignity is not defined by what a person has lost or what they can no longer do. It comes from being seen, valued, and given opportunities to learn, contribute, and create.
Through STITCHED, HOPEww has been supporting displaced people discover what they can still do, make, and become—even in the hardest seasons of life.
At more than 80, Hannah is still creating, reminding us that it is never too late to learn something new.
