Struggle and pain
Hilal Makhoukhi was a bank manager for years, but the structure of daily work began to narrow. He looked for excitement and found his way into the shady side of doing business: he started cannabis plantations. This choice led to a prison sentence of 2.5 years. It was his low point, but at the same time the beginning of something much bigger.
While in prison, he saw the severe gap between ex-convicts and the labor market. People determined to get back to their lives encountered prejudice and bureaucracy. That touched him deeply.
Comeback: frustration as fuel
“My frustration became my fuel,” says Hilal. From that anger and disappointment, CurrentWerkt was born, a socio-commercial employment agency that guides ex-convicts, status holders and single mothers to meaningful work. He transformed his struggle not only into his own strength, but also into a mission for others.
Hilal's approach is different from traditional programs, and he understands both sides, as someone who has made a comeback himself. That experience makes his guidance authentic and effective. He has now helped hundreds of people get jobs and thus greatly reduced the risk of recidivism. His impact has been crowned with, among others, the New Hero Prize in Rotterdam.
Rise, rebuild and return stronger!
Follow the journey
Hilal's story is one of getting up, persevering and helping each other up. It's an invitation to follow the journey and become part of the community, where real comebacks are celebrated. Where a purchase or a workplace not only means profit, but also a new opportunity for someone else.
Through his inexhaustible drive, Hilal is not only fueling change for himself, but also for many who are still starting their comeback. Rise, rebuild and return stronger isn't just a slogan, it's his life's work.
Follow the journey, become part of Returning Citizens, and help create comebacks that matter.
Follow the journey, join the community.