Ever since Fatima was a young girl growing up in Qabatia, she loved to help her mother in the garden. After she became a mother of five herself, she still found time to raise vegetables for the family table. Despite the harsh summers, her garden thrived.

When Fatima was 48 with the encouragement of her children, she built a greenhouse and began growing cucumbers and tomatoes. Her produce sold well in Jenin, and after a while she began to dream of a second greenhouse.

In 2002 Fatima, who was now 51, turned to Asala for financial assistance. A feasibility study showed that this could be a profitable venture, and Fatima received a loan. She built a second greenhouse alongside the first. Today several of Fatima’s children help her in the greenhouse, and sell their vegetables in the Jenin market.
They are doing well and all are proud of their mother who is both a good farmer and a successful businesswoman.