From Refugee to Successful Businessman: The Inspiring Story of Taissier Khalaf
Imagine growing up in a war-torn country, where your safety is constantly at risk. You and your family flee to a foreign land in search of safety and a better life, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known. This is the reality for many refugees, including Taissier Khalaf, whose incredible story is one of resilience, hard work, and perseverance.
The Early Years
Born in 1960 in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia, Taissier Khalaf grew up in a comfortable middle-class family. He studied engineering and received his degree from Tishreen University in Latakia. In 1982, he founded his own construction company, which became quite successful.
The Escape
Unfortunately, the success was short-lived. The Syrian government began cracking down on businesses, levying high taxes and making it difficult for entrepreneurs to operate. This is when Taissier realized he needed to leave the country. He and his wife, who was also an engineer, applied for passports and waited for two years before receiving permission to leave.
In 1990, the couple boarded a ship and crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Lebanon. From there, they traveled to Jordan, where they spent two months in a refugee camp before being granted asylum in Canada.
The Resilience
Starting over in a new country is never easy, and Taissier understood this well. He was determined to succeed and worked hard to adapt to his new surroundings. He learned English and took classes to improve his skills. He started his own construction company once again and became very successful.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Taissier’s entrepreneurial spirit never died down. In 2012, he founded an education consulting firm that aimed to help international students navigate the Canadian education system. This company, Maplesoft Group, was a success, and Taissier became known as a successful businessman in Canada.
The Community
Taissier was grateful for the opportunities that Canada had given him and his family. He wanted to give back to the community and became involved in various philanthropic causes. In 2016, he established the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Education Foundation to provide educational opportunities to Syrian refugees in Turkey and Lebanon.
The Recognition
Taissier’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal and the University of Ottawa’s Community Service Award.
FAQs
Q1. What did Taissier Khalaf do before leaving Syria?
A1. Taissier Khalaf founded his own construction company in Latakia, which became quite successful.
Q2. Why did Taissier Khalaf decide to leave Syria?
A2. The Syrian government began cracking down on businesses, making it difficult for entrepreneurs like Taissier to operate.
Q3. How did Taissier adapt to life in Canada?
A3. Taissier learned English and took classes to improve his skills. He started his own construction company once again and became very successful.
Q4. What is Maplesoft Group?
A4. Maplesoft Group is an education consulting firm founded by Taissier Khalaf in 2012.
Q5. What is the Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation?
A5. The Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to Syrian refugees in Turkey and Lebanon.
Q6. What awards has Taissier Khalaf received?
A6. Taissier Khalaf has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal and the University of Ottawa’s Community Service Award.
Q7. What is Taissier Khalaf known for?
A7. Taissier Khalaf is known for his resilience, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Call to Action
Taissier Khalaf’s story is an inspiration to all. It serves as a reminder that hard work and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles. We encourage you to share Taissier’s story and learn from his example. Remember, resilience and determination are key to achieving success.