Arriving in Belgium without much to go on, but with a passion for cooking and a firm dream of one day opening his own restaurant, Kasim overcame the challenges.
With the non-profit DUO for a JOB, he was paired with a volunteer mentor (job coach), learned the ropes of the job market, and eventually landed a permanent contract.
Here is the story of Kasim and Ferdinand.
Ferdinand, a passionate and attentive mentor
Kasim arrived in Brussels with a big dream: to one day open his own restaurant. But the Belgian professional world seemed complicated, and he felt a bit lost. His main challenge in achieving this? Improving his French language skills. His goal when signing up with DUO for a JOB was clear: to find a stable job. From the moment they met, Kasim and Ferdinand didn't hesitate for a second and quickly developed a great rapport.
That’s where the mentoring really sparked. Together, they showed a lot of creativity and enthusiasm, allowing Kasim to progress step by step: they prepared job applications, revamped his CV and cover letters, and did targeted French exercises. They also followed up with other partner organizations, talked about cooking, decoded "Belgian-style" menus to learn how to make the recipes, and even tasted a few dishes at DUO for a JOB! The ingredients for this successful duo didn't take long to bear fruit: listening, openness, kindness, unwavering support, and a lot of determination.
“If you are lost in Brussels, DUO for a JOB is the solution.” - Kasim, supported by DUO for a JOB
➡️ More info about our mission here.
The ingredients for professional success
Hard work and perseverance have paid off. After a few months of supportive guidance, Kasim landed a job at a Brussels restaurant, Le Schievelavabo Jette. He quickly found his place, proved his worth, and has now secured a permanent contract!
“Retired for 13 years, and a mentor at DUO for a JOB for nearly 10 years, I still learn and discover something new every day thanks to wonderful encounters” - Ferdinand, mentor
A shared victory, driven by the motivation of a young man full of potential and the experience of a dedicated mentor.
Since 2013, DUO for a JOB has been connecting young people from immigrant backgrounds with experienced volunteer mentors over the age of 50. For six months, they work together toward a concrete goal: sustainable integration into the job market. 100% free job coaching in Liège, Charleroi, and Brussels.
Want to learn more about DUO for a JOB? Check out our FAQ here to become a volunteer mentor or find a job!
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🎥 Watch one of our duos share their experience ⤵️
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