Radwan, an 18-year-old from Amman, navigates life under the weight of family responsibility. He began working full-time at the age of 12 to support his family after his father's accident left him unable to work.
"I wake up at 11 a.m., get my breakfast, and then I go to work selling fruits and vegetables.
I come back from work at 11 p.m. I have to work this job because it’s our source of living"
Radwan grew up in a close-knit family of six, where financial stability diminished after his father's job loss. A combination of family proximity and cultural expectations contributed to his early commitment to family support. With a father unable to work due to health issues, Radwan’s mother managed the household, leaving him to become the primary earner at a young age. His siblings relied on him for stability and support. Radwan's first job was organizing merchandise in a tailor shop. Over the years, he took on various roles including selling clothes and working at a restaurant, adapting to the needs of his family.
As his family's main breadwinner, Radwan juggles multiple jobs, working around 12 hours a day. His commitment is fueled by the need to provide food and necessities for his siblings. Radwan’s early work ethic stemmed from a deep sense of obligation to his family. His father's illness and inability to work further solidified his resolve to support them.
Radwan dropped out of school at 10 due to a leg injury and bullying. The incident profoundly impacted his self-esteem and curtailed his education, locking him into labor.
Through his young working life, Radwan has taken on various jobs, showing resilience and adaptability. His experiences range from retail to service roles. However, he is still distant from his dream of becoming a chef.