By Arwa Al-Wagayan
TUNIS, Sept 28 (KUNA) -- Despite all the miseries and pain endured by Syrian refugees around the world, some, somehow, managed to activate a glimmer of hope in their lives through self-employment in countries that host them.
With strong will and determination to survive, two Syrian refugees in Tunisia have set a standard for success in providing a good living for themselves and families through starting their own private business.
Mohy Al-Din Mohammad, a barbershop owner, and an owner of Zain Al-Sham restaurant, spoke with KUNA about their journey towards ending their suffering and leading a satisfactory and respectful life abroad.
In their beginnings, the two Syrian refugees sought the help of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), but later decided to take matters into their own hands without depending on intermittent aid by some humanitarian societies.
Leaving his family behind to spare them the agonies and struggles of displacement, Mohammad fled Syria in 2012 to Algeria, where he stayed briefly before moving, eventually, to Tunisia and settling there permanently.
In Tunisia, Mohammad began his pathway towards self-employment through earning a living as a taxi driver. He was able to make enough money within just five months to start his next venture in the barbershop business and open his own shop.
A former barber himself, the Syrian refugee expressed his happiness towards the positive public reception of his shop, particularly from his countrymen and Tunisians, noting that the Tunisian society treat Syrians with generosity and equality.
For his part, another Syrian refugee pointed out the popularity of the Syrian cuisine on regional and international levels, adding that such a good reputation has contributed in making his restaurant business so successful in Tunisia, and popular among the Tunisian people.
Refugees have the option to choose their paths in life, desperation and dependency on humanitarian societies' aid, or self-dependency and determination to succeed in life. (end) akw.ma