Abud: “I am not alone in Bulgaria”

Abud Aladar arrived in Bulgaria from Syria earlier in the year in search of a better life for himself and, in the future, for his family. He was initially accommodated in the Regional Reception Center – Harmanli, but he quickly became ambitious and built his own path, with the help of the BKO “Caritas Vitania”.

Here is what he shares about his stay in Bulgaria and his realization so far.

– Abud, tell us about yourself. How did you end up in Bulgaria?

I am from Syria. I put up with what was happening in my homeland for a long time, but the situation started to become dangerous, so I had to leave if I wanted to lead a normal life from now on. Getting to Bulgaria was very difficult because of the many obstacles on the way. But I finally made it. Unfortunately, my family is still there, but I dream of being together soon.

– How did you become a user of “Caritas Vitania”?

When I arrived in Bulgaria, I was placed in the Regional Reception Center in Harmanli, where I first heard about the foundation. Even then, the center’s team explained to us what the laws are in the country, what our obligations and rights are. They told us about the branches of “Caritas” and I headed for Plovdiv, as it is a quieter city.

I found on the Internet the contacts of “Caritas Vitania” and Milena took over my case. I have a semi-university degree in Agronomy and I was hoping that the organization would help me move on with my life.

– What exactly did the organization help you with?

First of all, I wanted to realize myself professionally. To do something I like, that’s why I asked to go through a professional qualification course. I signed up for a barbering and men’s grooming course.

At first I was worried because I didn’t speak Bulgarian yet and I had to use an online translator. But little by little I started to get used to it, I learned another word. I went to the course every day, but everyone’s attitude was so good, so friendly, that I didn’t feel the time passing. I learned a lot about the profession, I follow new trends in men’s hairdressing and learn new techniques.

– Actually, you have experience in the field.

Yes, barbering has been my hobby for many years. I always liked it, so I used to cut and shave friends and family at home. I considered that this is a good option for implementation in Bulgaria, as there is a basis for development and interest from the customers. There is also a lot of competition, but I am ready to face it because I keep improving and I am confident in my skills.

I learned from the best specialist in Plovdiv. I currently work in a salon and with each subsequent client I gain more and more experience. I would like to open my own salon after some time, even if it is not very big.

-This means that you want to stay in Bulgaria for a long period. How do you feel here, have you found close people? Our cultures are radically different.

That’s right! I came to the country with the aim of staying and developing here, not just transiting. I want to settle down, get a job and bring my family.

I’m not going to lie that the language barrier is a problem, and the language is quite difficult, but I’m trying to learn it. Our cultures are very different, but I have traveled abroad before, so being in a new place is not unfamiliar to me. In fact, the Bulgarian culture and environment are such that one easily adapts to them. I adapt quickly and feel great freedom.

I also created social contacts, as I constantly have clients, including Bulgarians, in the salon. We have become friends with some of them, we communicate, sometimes they come to me in the morning to talk, so I am not lonely.