Lost after displacement: One ILO training and one language skill lead to two jobs

CAIRO, Egypt (ILO News) – At just 26 years old, Suleiman Abdallah has faced the kind of uncertainty most only imagine. “Everything happened out of nowhere because of the war.” Given only a week to decide, Suleiman was unsure if he would end up in Turkey, Uganda, or Egypt. “To be honest, up until the last moment, I didn’t know I was coming to Egypt.”

Suleiman recalls that when he arrived, he felt lost and confused. “It was a huge challenge and a big surprise. I didn’t know anything about the Egyptian market. I didn’t have a college degree. All I had was the English I speak now, and I didn’t even know how to use that to find work,” he says.

A turning point through the Job Search Club

Everything changed when Suleiman heard about the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Job Search Club (JSC), which is a practical training programme designed to equip jobseekers for the job market. It uses peer support, coaching, and practical training to help young people navigate their job search towards decent work. “Luckily, I was selected for one of the training sessions,” he says.

Supporting youth, women, migrants, and people with disabilities in gaining the confidence, skills, and direction they need to enter the labour market, Suleiman is only one of over 8,500 who received JSC training since its inception in Egypt over a decade ago.

The training taught him how to prepare a CV, perform in interviews, and most importantly, how to apply his language skill to use in the job market. “That was one of the most important things that helped me achieve what I’m doing now.”

Suleiman now works as an English teacher and as a customer service agent for an English-speaking account. He also volunteers and engages in various activities that keep him busy. “From having no job to having two jobs, volunteering projects and many other activities. It's just so great. Great environment, beautiful people, amazing teaching. It changed my life.”

A message to others

Before the Job Search Club, I was lost. After it, I know what I want, I know where I’m going, and I know what I’m doing. I definitely recommend it to anyone whose life feels uncertain or troubled. They’ll help you set a proper goal and move toward a brighter future.

Suleiman, Job Search Club beneficiary

 Suleiman’s story is a testament to how targeted youth employment support can restore purpose and unlock potential. From uncertainty and displacement to dual stable employment and a clear path forward, Suleiman is now building not just a career, but his own version of a brighter future.

About the Job Search Club

The ILO’s Job Search Club is a globally recognised training model originally developed in Canada and adapted by the ILO for use across multiple countries. In Egypt, it is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports across several ILO projects. Currently, these include the PROSPECTS partnership programme funded by the Government of the Netherlands, the Youth for Future project funded by UNICEF, and the Decent Jobs for Egypt’s Young People initiative in Damietta, funded by Methanex Egypt.