A chance to work again helped Raymond Khoury reclaim his independence

© ILO

© ILO

BEIRUT (ILO News) - Raymond Elias Khoury had spent most of his life engaged in a steady and meaningful routine within his community. In the northern Lebanese coastal city of Jbeil, he ran a small snack shop that had become a familiar stop for neighbours, friends and tourists. He knew many of his customers by name, and they knew him as the cheerful shop owner who welcomed everyone that passed by. His work was his pride; it was his way of staying connected to his community.

During a sea diving activity, Khoury experienced a serious accident that resulted in a permanent mobility impairment. The injury left him unable to walk and significantly affected his ability to carry out daily tasks and manage his small snack shop. As a result, he was forced to close the business, which had been his main source of income. The accident also limited his access to alternative employment opportunities, affecting his ability to maintain his livelihood and independence.

The years that followed the lifechanging accident were difficult for Khoury. Job opportunities were scarce for a person with a disability, and he struggled to find a decent and accommodating job. To survive, he relied on the small income he got from his olive trees. Each year, the sale of olive oil covered only some of his basic needs, and nothing more. Khoury found himself fighting not just financial hardship, but also the fear of social exclusion.

© ILO

© ILO

His situation improved when he joined the Jbeil Pedestrian Network project under the ILO’s Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank. The project team ensured that his tasks were adapted to his mobility requirements, allowing him to participate effectively and safely in daily operations. He was responsible for organising the distribution of tools, tracking equipment, supporting attendance records, and contributing to light on-site activities. These procedures enabled Khoury to perform his duties under decent working conditions and to be included as an active member of the work team. His consistent presence and reliability made him a valued part of the team and demonstrated how inclusive practices can enable persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in the labour market.

“After the accident, I thought my working life was over,” Khoury says. “This job reminded me that I still have value, that I can still contribute. It gave me back my confidence and my place in the community.”

Slowly, Khoury started to feel like himself again. Being part of a team restored a sense of purpose in his life. His colleagues describe him as someone who brings energy into the room, someone who works with precision and refuses to let difficulties limit him. For Khoury, this wasn’t just a job. It was a doorway back to dignity.

© ILO

© ILO

Raymond’s ability to commute independently is supported by his own adapted vehicle, which enables him to move safely and manage his daily activities without assistance. Having access to an accessible means of transportation plays an important role in his participation in work and community life on equal terms with others.

“When I drive myself to work every morning, I feel alive again,” he says. “My wheelchair limits my movement, but it doesn’t limit my will. This car gives me the freedom to live on my own terms.”

Today, Khoury is looking ahead with determination. He hopes to find stable, decent employment where his organisational skills and strong work ethic can continue to shine. He dreams of opportunities that value ability over limitation, and an inclusive environment where he can build a dignified and secure life.

Khoury does not describe himself as inspiring, but his journey says otherwise. His story shows what can happen when someone is given a fair chance: a life interrupted can be rebuilt, dignity can be restored, and hope can return.