Building hope, brick by brick: How a Syrian refugee is shaping his future and his community in Gjirokastër, Albania

In the heart of the city of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-protected heritage site in southern Albania, Mohammed stands proudly in the main square, pointing at the facades of the buildings he helped restore. "This one," he says with a smile, "I played a part in improving."

Mohammed’s journey to this point is one of determination and a deep commitment to his family’s future. Originally from Aleppo, Syria, his path took him through Türkiye and Greece before he found refuge in Albania, where his wife originally comes from.

When he arrived in Albania, unable to return to Syria because of the war, Mohammed faced the challenge of starting a new life. "When we arrived, I had nothing - no documents, no clear path ahead," Mohammed recalls. But he was resolved to build a life for his wife and two children.

In the quiet municipality of Dropull, Mohammed found both a welcoming community and an opportunity to contribute. He mentions that, once home to several hundred houses, the village had seen many of its younger residents leave to work abroad. “There’s a real need for labour here,” Mohammed explains, noting that only a few dozen homes remain occupied.

Equipped with his welding tools and a driven spirit, Mohammed joined local craftsmen working on construction projects. “When there’s a big job, we all come together,” he says, describing a community bound by collaboration.

The beginning was difficult, but step by step, Mohammed built a solid reputation. “I worked for someone, delivered good results, and they recommended me to others,” he recalls. “It was through word of mouth and hard work that I earned trust.”

However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. Without the proper legal status, Mohammed’s future in Albania was uncertain for a time. But he didn’t face these obstacles alone. Key members of the local community were instrumental in helping him navigate the legal process. "They were incredibly approachable and helpful," he recalls. "They quickly connected me with the resources I needed and made sure I wasn’t left to figure it out alone."

A turning point came when Mohammed was introduced to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its NGO partner, Refugee and Migrant Services in Albania, who guided him through the asylum process. “They helped me understand what needed to be done and what to expect,” he says. “They were with me every step of the way, offering clarity and support.”

When Mohammed was granted international protection status by the Government of Albania, he says he experienced a newfound sense of freedom—one that allowed him to connect more fully to Albania. “My family had a car, but I couldn’t even drive it because I didn’t have the proper documents,” he says. “I couldn’t take my kids to school. With this status, I was able to get the permits I needed to start living a more complete life.”

Today, Mohammed dreams of expanding his craftsmanship into a workshop, with plans to build on land his family owns near his village. "I want to create a place where I can expand my business, hire more people, and teach them the skills I’ve learned over the years," he shares.

His work, spanning plumbing, plastering, masonry, and home repairs, not only supports his family but also contributes to the local economy. Mohammed hopes his two sons, aged 13 and 16, will one day join him in the business after completing their studies. "My older son joins me on weekends and school breaks to learn the trade," he says. "I hope his interest in it will continue to grow."

 

Despite ongoing paperwork challenges, Mohammed remains focused on his future. "Without the right documents, I can’t open my own business," he says. With continued support from the authorities and UNHCR, Mohammed is making progress toward a solution. While delays persist, largely due to the transition to electronic systems and integration issues between various institutional databases, Mohammed remains hopeful.

"My family is what keeps me going," he says. "I have my children. They are my strength." As a proud father, Mohammed takes great joy in seeing his children excel both academically and in their musical pursuits. His sons, talented pianists and guitarists, are committed to their studies. "Seeing them succeed in something they love brings me the most joy," he says.

While his parents remain in Aleppo and siblings are scattered across Europe, Mohammed dreams of a day when they can all reunite. "Like the old days," he says, his eyes bright with hope.

Mohammed’s story shows how refugees, when given the right support, can thrive and contribute to their new communities. With the help of the local community and his own determination, Mohammed has turned challenges into opportunities —not only for himself but for the community he now calls home.