A Father Finds Stability and Security
LEBANON – Makardig Mardirousian, 47, came to Lebanon from Iraq in October 2009 with his wife, Sona, and their two boys. They entered the country on visitors’ visas to escape the perilous living conditions in Iraq.
Makardig managed to find a job in Lebanon as a driver through his Iraqi relatives living in the country. His wife found a job at a jewelry gallery. Makardig and Sona were earning $500 per month, which is a very low income in Lebanon.
One day Sona developed a severe medical problem that incapacitated her for almost five months. To take care of the children, Makardig was forced to leave his job. As time passed, their situation became more difficult. Makardig was a father without a job, with a sick wife and two children, and living as a refugee away from his homeland. The family had no social security other services to help them survive.
Makardig heard about IRD through other Iraqis living in his area, and he never regretted asking them for support in finding a job. Makardig, a mechanical engineer, also has expertise in graphic design. Through its wide network of middle and large-scale businesses, IRD found Decorama to be a good match for Makardigt. Decorama, owned by Ghazi Mitri, is one of the elite companies in Lebanon providing external and internal signage for companies, businesses, and enterprises throughout the Middle East and the Gulf region. Mitri says that Makardig is a professional worker, willing to learn, and a real asset to the company. Makardig began working at Decorama June 18. Today he continues to enjoy his work and is satisfied with the compensation and work conditions.
The Entrepreneurship for Refugees Program (EfR) in Lebanon is funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM) and managed by IRD.
Filed Under: Jobs, Refugees, Middle East & North Africa, Lebanon