Technical Entrepreneurship Training in the Sector of Shoemaking was launched in July 2024 within the scope of the (ENHANCER) Project. 400 participants were successfully certified in trainings conducted in Gaziantep, Hatay, Konya, and Şanlıurfa.

Participant Testimonials

I am Mehri Özartan, born in 1987. I graduated from Selçuk University with a degree in Handicraft Teaching, and I am pursuing a master’s degree.

My professional journey began as a sales associate at a store. Later, I worked as a master instructor at a public education institute. After some time, I opened my own workshop. After two years, I had to close it due to the pandemic.

In the workshop, I struggled with insufficient capital and reaching the right customers, so I couldn’t generate enough income. I managed to stay afloat by doing subcontracting work, but eventually, I had to close. ICMPD’s entrepreneurship training revealed where I went wrong in my past experiences. Thanks to this training, I will approach my next venture more consciously.

My name is Gülşen Gümüşlü. I am a housewife and a mother of two children. Previously, I participated in a handmade leather bag course offered by Public Education Centers. Together with friends at the Mediterranean Women’s Cooperative, we make handmade leather bags. Unfortunately, after experiencing the devastating earthquake of the century, we face challenges in every aspect of life, but we are trying to stay strong for our children and heal together.

ICMPD’s Shoemaking Training was a very productive program. I thank all the trainers for the excellent education provided for those looking to start or grow their businesses.

I am Zekeriya Hasan, of Syrian origin. I have been living in Gaziantep since 2012. I graduated from the Electrical Department of the Vocational Technical High School.

In addition to my other work, I started working in the shoe industry and trade in 2015.

Every new venture faces challenges such as analyzing the market, understanding customer requirements, and identifying models or varieties that may be in higher demand alongside quality and affordable goods.

At the beginning of the project, we conducted extensive analyses of the market and customers to avoid repeating past mistakes. Although we experienced some time and financial losses, we overcame these difficulties with gratitude.

Finally, thank you for all your efforts.

Hello, my name is Veysel Polat. I was born in 1988 in Gaziantep.

For 10 years, I have been working as an export operations specialist in a corporate firm. I studied in Finland for a year under the Erasmus program.

The challenges I’ve faced have helped me grow and learn new things.

I found the shoemaking sector training I attended to be very beneficial. It provided an opportunity to observe the work of skilled artisans and closely understand the processes involved in the trade.

The trainers delivered the training very effectively and efficiently.

I was born in Gaziantep in 1985. I have been married for 20 years and have one child. I am a philosophy teacher, but I am currently not working. I am a final-year student in the Open Education Faculty’s Business Administration program.

I have worked as a substitute teacher in public schools and held various roles in the private sector, such as cashier and executive assistant.

Of course, life has its challenges. I usually try to apply necessary solutions and let things flow.

I have always wanted to start my own business, but I didn’t know how to begin. For this reason, ICMPD’s Entrepreneurship Training was very useful for me. The trainers provided all the necessary information, and I was able to participate in the lessons with ease.

My name is Barış Keskin. I was born in Ceylanpınar, Şanlıurfa. I am married and a father of two children. I completed high school through distance education.

Currently, I continue my education to improve myself and explore every opportunity for growth.

Previously, I worked as a driver at the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises in Şanlıurfa Ceylanpınar. Later, I started my own business and ventured into trade.

Now, I am involved in trade in Şanlıurfa, running my own business. While searching for ways to invest and uplift both myself and my district, I found myself in this training program.

Of course, there are risks in the sector and the region where I operate. The migration of the local population to big cities has impacted circulation in the sector.

The training was straightforward and easy to understand. The trainers were very supportive throughout the process. The project and training program were highly encouraging.

What impressed me the most were the hidden heroes. Whenever I faced issues related to the internet or system, I received immediate and effective solutions. Everything was meticulously planned and went smoothly.

Thank you for all your efforts.