الامتحان الوطني الموحد للبكالوريا

[1] Khalid Naitzehou is a Moroccan cobbler in Los Angeles. He carried with him the ancient traditions of Morocco all the way from Taroudant to the lively streets of Los Angeles. His journey is not just about success in business; it is about preserving the beautiful Moroccan heritage while building bridges with the American culture.

[2] At the age of 14, Khalid began apprenticeship in his hometown with different shoemakers. He started with the most basic tasks like cleaning tools, maintaining the workshop and buying cobbling materials. This is the traditional Moroccan way of learning crafts: starting from the bottom, observing carefully, and gradually learning the skills to do the job perfectly. As Khalid recalls, this experience taught him patience, respect for elders, and hard work. “Working under the guidance of various artisans allowed me to learn rich artistic talents and diverse techniques from each,” says Khalid.

[3] Like many young Moroccans seeking educational opportunities abroad, Khalid moved to Belgium in 2013. His intention was to study international relations; yet, he didn't give up his passion to become a professional cobbler. So, he continued practicing and refining his shoemaking skills. Khalid discovered something interesting about the Belgian educational system. "In Belgium," he explains, "you can study and work simultaneously. You can practice your craft during the day and attend classes in the evening." This system allowed him to develop both his academic knowledge and his professional skills.

[4] In 2015, Khalid moved to Los Angeles. His American journey began in a modest garage. Later, Khalid managed to set up his workshop in a historic area of Los Angeles. The new space had previously housed other cobblers, and Khalid became the 4th artisan to work there. His workshop, with a surface of 60 square meters, is divided into two sections: a visible area where customers can see the craftsmanship process, and a production area where he works with his team. This transparency is something that Americans appreciate the most. They want to see their items being made, understand the process, and connect with the artisan.

[5] As Morocco prepares to host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, Khalid sees this as an opportunity to support his country by showing its craftsmanship to the world. He's working on special pieces that will celebrate this historic event and highlight Morocco's rich artisanal legacy. His message to young Moroccans is clear: "Don't abandon your culture. Use your traditional skills as a foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship."

[6] Khalid's story has taken an interesting turn recently. He began creating content for social media, sharing his knowledge and promoting the value of learning traditional crafts. Khalid believes that if you learn a craft and a language, everything else will follow.

Adapted from: https://bewilderedinmorocco.com