Baking can be long and exhausting, but the end result is rewarding. You get to sit and enjoy the flavor that tickles your tongue, knowing it was your own creation.

Ahmad dreamed of standing in a kitchen, making a heavenly knafeh, and drizzling baklava with the sweetness of a home he longed for. Sometimes, dreams have to be put on hold, especially when you are the father of six and were forced to flee a country at war. 

Ahmad migrated to Turkey in search of safety for his family. When he arrived, he had no money, so he couldn’t enroll his children in school. Hajar, Mayada, and Mariam spent their days collecting metal and plastic —anything they could sell — in order to eat that day. Ahmad suffered disc pain, keeping him from climbing into garbage bins, so his daughters had to for him. His youngest was six years old when she first collected scraps with her father and sisters. Going to school was far away. Survival was their top priority. 

In 2016, Ahmed joined Karam Families. As a condition to join the program, he had to enroll his children in school. 

When asked about his own dream, he said he would love to take baking classes and enter the sweets industry. 

After four months of training, Ahmad was eager to learn more about the artistry of making sweets. Sarah, from Karam’s team, found a local Syrian dessert shop in Reyhanli, Turkey where Ahmad could work and gain experience. Six months later, Ahmad felt ready to share the flavors of Syria with the world. 

His job search had finally begun when COVID-19 caused the closure of so many shops. While he kept searching, he found a job in construction to provide for his family. 

The oldest daughter, Mayada, is currently enrolled in Karam’s studios.

Two weeks ago, Ahmad called to tell us he found a job as a pastry chef! His dream of making sweets that make people smile has become true. 

At the end of this year, Ahmad’s family will graduate from the program. All six girls and their mother are currently taking Turkish classes, and Ahmad finally has his dream job.