From interrupted studies and the challenges of displacement to developing his skills in a profession he loves, and building his path toward a more stable and confident future.
Anas Kharboutli, 34 years old, originally from Aleppo city and currently residing in its western countryside. He was a student at the Faculty of Sharia at the University of Aleppo, but circumstances in 2012 forced him to discontinue his studies. After years of displacement and working in various fields, he discovered his passion for furniture carpentry and gained practical experience in the trade.
Anas joined the Carpentry Training as part of the project “Workforce Development in the Construction Sector for Immediate Employment in Reconstruction Efforts in the City of Aleppo,” implemented by SEWAR Organization (Kalkınma Şafak Derneği) in partnership with GlocalShift Foundation and supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.
Despite traveling more than 45 kilometers every day to reach the training center and occasionally giving up temporary job opportunities that conflicted with his schedule, he maintained his commitment, believing that investing in learning is the true path to building the future.
During the training, Anas developed his expertise through a structured and professional approach. He learned to use hand tools, modern industrial machinery, and wood-handling techniques, alongside communication skills, occupational safety and health principles, and first aid, which boosted his self-confidence and readiness to enter the labor market.
Anas says: “I advise every young man and woman to go to vocational training centers and benefit from the available opportunities. Arming oneself with knowledge and education is the true asset in the labor market and the shortest path to building a successful future.”
Today, Anas aspires to open a large carpentry workshop that provides employment opportunities for young people, particularly vocational training graduates, and to contribute his expertise and skills to reconstruction efforts, believing that building people is the foundation of building the nation.
