My goal is to give young people an opportunity

My goal is to give young people an opportunity

My name is Tarik. I'm 32 years old and come from Casablanca, which is where I studied building design and contemporary architecture. After I graduated however, I could hardly find work at all and had difficulties making a living. That was why I decided to go to Europe in 2015.

I travelled to Germany, where I attended courses in German and graphic design. Although it became clear to me that my home is in Morocco. So at the end of 2018, I decided to return and make a fresh start there. I did already have a plan: I wanted to become self-employed as a logo designer.

Assistance with technical equipment

Back in Morocco, I learned about the “Returning to New Opportunities” programme that supports returnees making a new start. I contacted the advisors at the Moroccan-German Information Centre for Employment Integration and Migration and presented my plans.

The team there gave me encouragement, and above all they assisted me with technical equipment. The advisors also helped me to advertise on an online platform. This enabled me to establish a good market presence and reach lots of customers. Right from the start I received orders from different countries – especially the USA and Europe.

Support during the crisis

The corona pandemic did affect my business as well though, and I was receiving fewer orders than before. Fortunately, GIZ and its local partner organisations have supported me in getting through the crisis relatively well so far. I’m now seeing a few more orders again.

I hope that my business carries on growing in future, and my goal is to employ staff and train some young people. I’d like to create jobs in Morocco. People here deserve an opportunity – just like the one I had.

As of: 12/2020

GIZ and its local partner organisations have supported me in getting through the crisis.

Tarik

My goal is to give young people an opportunity

My goal is to give young people an opportunity

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