Kyle Fiechter (S’10) knows it’s easy to make superficial assumptions about others. “So many times we conceive an image of who people are and think there’s a box to put them in,” he says. “But then they surprise us with their thoughts or their backgrounds or their resolve to overcome adversity.” That instinctive feeling to categorize individuals or communities, to discriminate based on perceptions rather than reality, is one of the issues Fiechter helps to combat through his work with Finn Church Aid (FCA) in Amman, Jordan.
The largest Finnish development-cooperation organization and the second-largest provider of humanitarian assistance, FCA operates in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Established as a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland after World War II, when the nation was in ruins, FCA received emergency assistance from other countries that it administered to Finnish citizens. As a result of its efforts, the organization saw that Finns were better able to help themselves; capacity-building projects that allow vulnerable communities to thrive remain at the heart of FCA’s work.
The mission of FCA is simple — action for human dignity. “FCA is a rights-based organization, and we work to allow people to claim their rights in three primary areas: peace, quality education, and livelihoods,” Fiechter explains. “In Jordan, we work in Syrian refugee camps and host communities to provide educational opportunities for Syrians, vulnerable Jordanians, and other refugees.”
Fiechter was working with a fair-trade company in Jordan that connected local artisans to the global market when he felt called to humanitarian and development work. “I began distributing food and supplies to refugees who had fled the war in Syria and helped people start businesses with a social mission,” he says. Now serving as a livelihood projects manager with FCA, Fiechter supports initiatives that help vulnerable communities generate income. “Most people are just trying to earn enough to take care of their families and live in peace — we need to do what we can to help them achieve this dream.”
In September, FCA completed a project to establish 50 businesses with the goal of improving livelihood opportunities for Syrian refugees and Jordanians. Fiechter and his team worked with a local semigovernmental vocational training provider and a Finnish business college to deliver courses in entrepreneurship and market-oriented skills. “We focused on women and people with disabilities when we selected participants, so we refurbished day care centers to provide childcare for women who attended the training and renovated the training center to improve accessibility,” Fiechter says.
The project, called Tareeqi (My Way), reached more than 400 beneficiaries. “We experienced challenges in overcoming cultural barriers, especially for women working, but our team and wide range of partners made sure the project succeeded,” Fiechter says. “In the future, we’ll scale up the programming to reach more people and provide more quality jobs. We’ll also make sure the businesses we established continue to receive the support they need.”
One of those businesses was started by Omar, a Syrian refugee. “He and a friend had dreamed of establishing a toy store in Syria to give children the opportunity to play,” Fiechter says. “Omar escaped to Jordan, but he lost his friend in the crossfire of the conflict. His dream was shattered, and he felt lost.” After enrolling in FCA’s entrepreneurship training, Omar gained confidence and was able to open a store in Jordan. “I am working to have a foundation for something when I return to Syria, and the toy business has a good future,” he says. “Being an entrepreneur is about being brave enough to take the first step.”
Rana opened a chocolate business with support from Finn Church Aid. Photo courtesy of Finn Church Aid. 
Syrian refugees and Jordanians attend a carpentry course to gain marketable skills. Photo courtesy of Finn Church Aid.
FCA’s entrepreneurship course allowed Wazirah, a widow, to create a better life after migrating to Jordan from Syria. Unable to secure adequate living conditions for herself and her 4-year-old son, she became dependent on others. “During the program, Wazirah gained the self-assurance, knowledge, and resources to reclaim her independence in Jordan,” Fiechter says. She now receives income from a business that allows her to provide for her son and secure his education.
“This project was one step out of my comfort zone,” Wazirah says. “I feel I am stronger now.”
In addition to managing projects, Fiechter works on FCA’s program development and fundraising teams to set strategy, build partnerships, and provide technical support in project proposals. He feels fortunate to witness the values of FCA — embracing diversity, working courageously for change, respecting different beliefs, and demonstrating unyielding hope. “It’s encouraging to see the impact FCA is making in the community and know that I have a part in bringing this impact,” he says. “It’s also rewarding to work with my team and to be a small part of their lives. I’m privileged to know them and to be able to guide them in their work; we’ve all learned a lot from each other.”
