A day in our social factory

The radio is on, sewing machines are rattling, cheerful voices sound around the studio. Anyone entering Sheltersuit Foundation’s workshop in Enschede will agree: this is a place where people work together with joy and dedication.

It is a busy morning in the studio. Founder Bas is back in the country, checking the products that he is designing in collaboration with French fashion house Chloé.

Youp, Sheltersuit Foundation board member, discusses the production process for the coats with Moumin and Shasho. Youp explains how Sheltersuit Foundation combines entrepreneurship with social impact.

‘At Sheltersuit, there is an incredible sense of family. The best thing is that we learn from each other every day. It doesn’t matter if you’re an ”employee’’ or an “employer”.‘

One of our employees is Ahmed, who was born in northern Iraq. Via Athens, Leeuwarden, and finally Eindhoven he arrived in Enschede. In Iraq, he always worked as an independent tailor.

‘Because of the war in Iraq, working became difficult at a certain moment. Do not forget: Iraq is not a poor country. However, because of the continuous bombardments and defective electricity, it was almost impossible to keep your business running.’

At Sheltersuit, Ahmed now has a paid position. He’s enjoying himself very much.

‘Every day is different, things are calm and structured and co-workers are friendly.’
– Ahmed

Abduljalil, who comes from Lebanon, heard about Sheltersuit in an asylum seekers’ center.

During his job interview in the studio, his talent was noticed immediately. No wonder: in Lebanon, Abduljalil sowed wedding dresses for the well-known fashion
brand, Elie Saab. He says he feels very much at home at Sheltersuit.

‘I’m lucky to be able to work here’, says Abduljalil.

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