Announcement
Saddam and his family arrived in Boise in 2016, refugees from Syria ready for a fresh start. Eager to renew his career as a barber, Saddam quickly learned that reclaiming his profession would be no easy task.
Saddam proudly holds up the tools of his trade, excited to begin his career as a barber anew here in Boise.
“It was incredibly hard for [Saddam] to hear that being a barber was a long-term goal, because he was talented and passionate and driven," said Rachel Axtman, Saddam's initial employment specialist at the partnering Agency for New Americans, and current Starling Project manager. "However, he was so gracious during these conversations; he understood that he needed to improve his English skills before placing himself in a client-centric position."
Saddam was faced with the daunting likelihood of years of studying, tests, and completing licensing requirements- requirements he had already met in his home country. But the driven Saddam met the challenge of restarting his career head-on. He threw himself into an unfamiliar job, working for over a year to obtain U.S. work experience and improve his English language skills. Ultimately, Saddam obtained a referral to the International Rescue Commitee in Boise's Career Pathways program.
The IRC in Boise's Career Pathways program helps refugees who have been in the U.S. for more than 1 year (but less than 5 years) to increase their skills and opportunities for gainful employment, setting them on an employment path ripe for career laddering. Molly Valceschini, the program's Senior Specialist, stated that Saddam was "incredibly patient with the licensing process to become a barber in Idaho. His patience and determination inspired all those around him."
After months of work with Valceschini, Saddam's barber license was officially approved by the bureau of licensing in April of 2018. And, just under two years after arriving in Boise, Saddam obtained a chair at Neamah's Barber Shop. "He accomplished it a lot faster than most people could," said Axtman, "frankly because he is so determined to provide for his family.”
Saddam, a Syrian refugee, poses next to a just-styled client in his new space at Neamah's Barber Shop in Boise.
Saddam is thrilled to begin building a clientele base here in Boise, and encourages potential clients to bring a picture of the kind of haircut they're looking for. "I want to make sure I'm giving my customers exactly what they want," says Saddam. You can find Saddam from 3:00pm-11:00pm at Neamah's Barber Shop located at 600 S 9th St in Boise.
The IRC in Boise, and all those who have rooted for Saddam along the way, would like to congratulate him on such a remarkable achievement. Said Valceschini, "I feel really fortunate that Saddam has joined our community in the Treasure Valley, he is truly a talented individual with so much to offer. I hope you all take the opportunity to meet Saddam!"