Khaled Ayesh is a shoe manufacturer who exemplifies the power of community-based development. Initially, refugees living in the camps in Jordan relied on imported shoes for physically disabled, which were very expensive and typically, people could not afford. Khaled recognized the need in his community and pursued the opportunity to produce these shoes at the local level.
Pulling together capital from family resources, Khaled began his business by renting one sewing machine. As his business blossomed, he was able to obtain loans from Jordan Micro Credit Company (JMCC) and began acquiring the necessary equipment and space for expanding his business.
He now works from two workshops and employs people from the community. He emphasizes high safety standards and a good work environment. He makes shoes of all types – one of his more popular items is bridal shoes for polio victims. In winter, he makes gloves from old shoes that he donates to the children in his community. Khaled sees this as his way of giving back to the community that has nurtured him.
Khaled Ayesh was selected Microentrepreneur of the Year-2004 at the Regional Microentrepreneur Awards in Eygpt.
