When one looks at wood in Khalil Soroor’s hands, it looks so flexible as if shaped however he imagines it to be. 25 years old, he sustained a major injury in his right leg 9 years ago when he could no more do demanding work.

Following his graduation from the faculty of education, Khalil joined the large number of unemployed graduates, yet he had stronger determination to invest in his calligraphy art and drawing talents. Thus, he decided to join Irada program since its very inception.

“Irada has very well contributed to our reconciliation with our disability,” Khalil says. “It held many psychological support and professional counselling sessions for us. When it was time to choose our fields of specialty, I chose to learn to wood-carving and pyrography, i.e. wood burning, because they best fit my health condition.”

Khalil then persisted on developing his skills through practice and hard work. Following, he was recruited to work in the project for a year. “Irada empowered me very much,” Khalil says. “I was given the most unexpected opportunity to work as a trainer in my unique field. I feel proud of my achievement, and I am thankful to those who have believed in me.”

Today, Khalil wishes to start his own business, so he can showcase the full scale of his creativity and passion about his work.