A Syrian refugee has settled in Oxford and started working four days a week at his local barber shop.
Reda, who fled the war-torn middle eastern country with his wife and three-year-old daughter, does up to three haircuts a week and dreams of becoming a professional barber.
Immediately after his family arrived in the UK, they were supported by the refugee resettlement team from charity Connection Support.
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Reda was looking for help that could support his adjustment to living in the UK and wanted to find ways to learn English.
After enrolling on a course at a local college to learn the language, he spoke with his support worker, Isabelle, about becoming a barber.
Isabelle introduced Reda to Nigel, a volunteer, and they discussed what could be done to help him on his chosen career path.
Nigel supported Reda in approaching barbers across Oxford in a bid to find work experience, which encouraged Reda to develop both his language and interpersonal skills.
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Reda went on to complete six months’ work experience at a local barbers where he was able to develop his English by speaking to customers, all while observing and learning the trade.
After this, he secured a trainee role in an Oxford barber shop.
Looking to the future, Reda wants to continue learning English and become a professional barber. His long-term ambition is to own a successful barber shop within the next four to five years.
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