The Promotion of Economic Prospects for Syrians under Temporary Protection and Host Community in Turkey Project, which supports sustainable development to ensure the participation of Turkish citizens and refugees in the production process, to enable them to benefit from increased welfare, and to prevent poverty by employing them, continues to assist 1600 individuals, who have completed their vocational trainings, in attaining their career dreams.

One of the project beneficiaries who reached her goals and dreams is 33-year-old Melahat Cantürk. After completing the Preparing Women’s Clothing Patterns on Computer Course at Denizli Merkezefendi Public Education Center, Melahat Cantürk was employed in one of Denizli’s leading textile companies, where she is currently preparing textile patterns on the computer. Melahat Cantürk learned to use the essential programs found within the sector during the vocational training she received at Merkezefendi Public Education Center. Explaining that she is twice as pleased to having achieved the career she wanted and earning an income after living as a housewife for many years, Melahat Cantürk indicates that she feels fulfilled now that she engages in work life.

The trainees, who receive training in 18 Public Education Centers located in 5 provinces in the scope of the Project implemented by GIZ in collaboration with Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (ASAM) on behalf of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education Directorate General of Life Long Learning (MoNE- DG LLL) Department of R&D and Projects and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), created a harmony mostly composed of different cultures. Melahat Cantürk describes this situation enabled with the Project that also focuses on social cohesion activities to contribute to the culture of coexistence, by saying, “I was present in a multicultural environment for the first time. At first, I had great difficulties feeling like an outsider. Over time, we were able to achieve a wonderful synergy with friends from different cultures. We learned and embraced each other’s culture. This pleasant experience reflected positively in my work life.”

Melahat Cantürk: “We have a happy family life with my two sons and husband. Joining the Promotion of Economic Prospects Project was the best thing I did for myself, as well as for my family. Owing to this Project, I was able to receive a training I always wanted. The incentives that were provided by the Project throughout the training and embarking on a career improved my living conditions. I can now stand on my own two feet. I can support my family.”

Being able to achieve the goal that seemed very far away to her as a housewife in a much shorter time than expected following an intensive training period, Melahat Cantürk hopes to build her own company in the future if she obtains sufficient knowledge and competence. She explains that she learned to approach textile products from a different perspective during her vocational training, and the computer training that she received and her current work experience are very important in the sector.

Melahat Cantürk, who was quickly noticed to be determined and hardworking by her employer, says: By being employed in scope of the Promotion of Economic Prospects Project, from which I learned that education and learning could continue for your entire life, I took a major step towards realizing myself. I believe that I’ll be able to accomplish much more successful works as I gain experience. Since I have a job now, I can now look towards the future with hope.”