Hadeel Ahmed, a Syrian refugee in Egypt, stands in her rented space in Alexandria, where she grows mushrooms for her business, Mushroom Bianco. Through hard work and determination, she turned her passion for agriculture into a success, inspiring others with her journey of resilience and hope. ©UNHCR/Shadi Onsimos
Hadeel Ahmed, a Syrian refugee in Egypt, has turned her passion for agriculture into a thriving business, demonstrating how perseverance and resourcefulness can overcome the challenges of displacement. Hadeel arrived in Egypt in 2012, seeking safety and stability amidst the conflict in Syria. With the support of her family, she completed her high school education and enrolled at Alexandria University, where she pursued a degree in Agricultural Sciences, graduating in 2019. “I’ve always believed in the power of agriculture to transform lives,” Hadeel shares.
Her journey into the world of Fungiculture began after she attended a mushroom cultivation training session in 2019, shortly after graduating. Soon after, she began cultivating oyster mushrooms, using a small space she rented in Alexandria. Despite limited resources and the challenges of starting a business as a refugee, Hadeel persevered.
By 2020, her efforts paid off, and she was able to expand her operations and move to a larger facility. Her team grew and so did her collection of mushrooms, catering to the needs of individuals, supermarkets and restaurants across Alexandria and Cairo. Mushroom Bianco now a registered business, has become a model of refugee-led entrepreneurship, gaining recognition in exhibitions across Egypt.
Expanding Opportunities through Innovation
“The registration process was challenging, but it opened so many doors. Now, my mushrooms are on shelves in supermarkets and served in restaurants across the city.” “It brings me immense joy” continues Hadeel “to see our mushrooms in supermarkets and requested by restaurants, I always dreamed of a day like this and it has now become a reality”
Truly dedicated to her trade, Hadeel’s cultivation strategy involves dividing her mushroom crops into two groups, ensuring a continuous production cycle. While one group is being harvested, the other is still maturing, allowing her to maintain a steady supply. Hadeel’s products include fresh, canned, and powdered mushrooms, catering to various market demands.
A Refugee-Led Business Making an Impact
Mushroom Bianco is now a family-run business, providing employment for Hadeel, her brother, and her parents. In 2021, Hadeel received two UNHCR grants with thanks to funding from the Netherlands, helping expand her operations, increase production and invest in new equipment. Hadeel also leverages social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with her customers, share updates, and build brand loyalty. Through these channels, she has cultivated a growing base of supporters who recognize the quality of her products.
Building a Brighter Future for Refugees in Egypt
Egypt hosts approximately 150,000 registered Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers, many of whom are building their lives and contributing to their host communities. Hadeel’s journey exemplifies the resilience and determination of refugees who, despite facing adversity, continue to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Reflecting on her journey, Hadeel says, “It’s about showing that no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we can rebuild and contribute to the communities that welcome us.”
Through her success, Hadeel not only supports her family in Egypt but also provides a model of empowerment and innovation for displaced people everywhere.
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