Media release Javad
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Javad Hosseini, a father of three from Afghanistan, successfully completes his vocational training as a textile practitioner (EBA) at KoKoTé.
Javad Hosseini is originally from Afghanistan and completed his apprenticeship as a textile practitioner (EBA) at the STF Swiss Textile College in 2023. His training company is KoKoTé in Schattdorf/UR, a manufactory that produces high-quality bags and accessories from sustainable materials. KoKoTé is also an educational and employment integration project for older refugees.
Javad Hosseini is from Afghanistan, but had to leave the country at the age of 14 when his family fled to Iran. Years later, he fled to Switzerland. He is married and the father of three school-aged children.
In Iran, Javad Hosseini worked as a manager in an upholstery company, leading a team of 25 employees. Javad is very skilled with his hands, but only attended school for six years. He then entered the pre-apprenticeship program at Association Equilibre and was soon able to begin his vocational training as a textile practitioner (EBA) at KoKoTé, for which he already possessed considerable prior knowledge from his time as a saddler in Iran. His dream is to run his own textile company in Switzerland. The textile practitioner training is the first step towards fulfilling this professional and life aspiration. Gönül Avcu, production manager at KoKoTé and Javad's instructor, is thrilled with Javad's progress during his apprenticeship: "Javad's sewing skills have multiplied during his training, as has his experimentation with different materials. Javad tackles even the most challenging sewing tasks with great interest and high motivation." He enjoys learning new things and brings many ideas to the production process.
Exam day and studying
Javad Hosseini prepared very well for his practical final exam. On the day, Javad was very calm and confident and handled the exam with ease. At the end of the day, the examiners were very satisfied; one even immediately ordered the product Javad had made, the "2Täger" backpack. He received a grade of 6 for the practical exam, passing his apprenticeship!
Everyone in Javad's family takes advantage of the opportunity to learn: his wife Asma prepared intensively to begin her training as a Red Cross nursing assistant – she has already passed the German test. Asma is also on her way to taking the next step towards her dream job (healthcare professional). They all want to learn and then give something back to society with what they have learned.
About KoKoTé
The predecessor project, JLT Company AG, and subsequently KoKoTé, were initiated in 2015 by the non-profit organization Association Equilibre. Their goal is to integrate recognized refugees (over 26 years of age) into society through paid employment and vocational training. The KoKoTé brand was created in 2018 through a co-creative process with the artisans and renowned designer Carsten Jørgensen. The company is a model of social entrepreneurship: all proceeds from the sale of KoKoTé products go directly to education and integration projects. Sustainability and social responsibility are top priorities in all areas of its operations. At the KoKoTé factory in Uri, high-quality bags and accessories are produced for individuals (B2C) and businesses (B2B). It is the only remaining production facility of this size and type in Switzerland. KoKoTé became a member of Swiss Label this year.
About the STF Swiss Textile College
The STF Swiss Textile College has been THE center of expertise in the textile, fashion and lifestyle industry in Switzerland since 1881. The school stands for sustainable educational competence throughout the entire life cycle of textile, fashion and lifestyle products and offers numerous training and further education programs, from basic education to master's degrees.