Anas Al Shehab is a 33 year old Syrian woman, who founded the ‘Rizk’ initiative to help Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Turkey get job training and work. The initiative was launched in 2013, with the belief that Syrian refugees are resilient and resourceful, and can rebuild wherever they are, and earn a decent living.

The first ‘Rizk’ office opened in 2014 in Urfa – it accepted visits from people looking for employment. Since, ‘Rizk’ has employed over 7,350 young men and women in various fields. More of their offices opened in Istanbul and Gaziantep.

‘Rizk’ has helped thousands of Syrians get different types of jobs, depending on their knowledge and emerging market needs. It has also supported them by sending them to trainings and workshops when necessary. Through its work, ‘Rizk’ alleviated the suffering of many distressed Syrians, and supported them in transforming their outlook on life from destitute to hopeful.

Since its inception, ‘Rizk’ has also succeeding in contributing to the Turkish labour market by providing trained and skilled workers. The ‘Rizk’ team includes representatives that work closely with Turkish people in the job market, in order to coordinate and find the most applicable opportunities for Syrians in Turkey. The organization also works to build profitable partnerships between Syrian and Turkish businesspeople.

Al Shehab said that ‘Rizk’ has become a necessity for Syrians in Turkey, helping many rebuild their lives. The organization’s vision revolves around helping Syrians in turkey achieve full self-sufficiency, without reliance on aid, and to keep the hope for the future alive.