Mouneer was shortlisted in
the 2009 YBI Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
More on the competition.
"I was able to overcome my
disability and realise my dreams which most people from my society
couldn’t have done, even without a handicap."
Mouneer Al-Kojak
Mouneer Al-Kojak:
Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical Software, Syria
Supported by: BIDAYA
Mouneer Al-Kojak became disabled at the age of 12 but has never
let this hold him back, battling hard to attain the high academic
standards necessary to become a computer programmer.
Overcoming poverty and industry scepticism, Mouneer, now 31, is
changing the landscape of the pharmaceutical business one pharmacy
at a time. His great breakthrough came when he realised that he
could use his technological skills to design tailored software for
pharmacies. With BIDAYA’s help he was able to set up Ibn Sina
Phamaceutical Software, the first of its kind in Syria.
Mouneer’s route to entrepreneurship was not easy. He didn’t own
his own computer, so spent hours on internet cafe machines
developing his ideas and undertaking research. He was also forced
to sell sentimental items belonging to his father so he could
purchase a computer and start his business.
When he realized he needed financial support to start this
business, he approached BIDAYA for a loan for computer equipment.
After Mouneer’s mentor was assigned, she successfully lobbied
BIDAYA to have the loan increased to include enough for a marketing
campaign.
Mouneer’s innovation has been recognised by the Syrian Computer
Society and the Pharmacists’ Union in Aleppo, who have both awarded
him certificates of appreciation. He has given lectures on his
software to the Pharmacists’ Union.
Mouneer is planning to employ other physically-handicapped
individuals to help him in expanding his business.
More about the Entrepreneur of the
Year Award 2009