After 300 Rejected Applications, Moustafa Helps People with Disabilities in Morocco and Beyond
Born in Morocco, Moustafa Makhlouf sent 300 job applications in the Netherlands without landing a job. Now an entrepreneur and fitness coach, he devotes his energy to people with disabilities through initiatives that are bringing him back to his birth country.
Moustafa Makhlouf was four when he left Morocco for the Netherlands. He grew up in ’s-Hertogenbosch, where he says he faced discrimination and exclusion from childhood. After becoming a karate champion, he encountered further obstacles in the job market. Despite sending 300 applications, company doors remained closed to him. His journey, also marked by the suspension of his benefits, which were eventually reinstated by a court, is recounted in a profile published by De Ondernemer.
His first real opportunity came at a gym. Moustafa became a personal trainer and began working with people with disabilities. One of them was Ron, who was born blind and ran ten kilometres with him in the Eindhoven Marathon. He also trains Yvette and Mehmed, two athletes with Down syndrome. His videos and commitment have gradually made him a well-known figure in his city.
In 2023, at the age of 39, he told the Dutch newspaper that his work went far beyond coaching. He visits companies to raise employers’ awareness of discrimination and inclusion. His message is directly inspired by his own story: “Give candidates who are different from you a fair chance.” He also shares his experience in a book titled “Onbeperkt Mustafa,” part of whose proceeds go to community projects.
A trip to Morocco and 20 euros saved
His commitment sometimes takes on a deeply personal dimension. In 2024, Moustafa accompanied Benaissa to Morocco so he could reunite with his mother after several years apart. The trip was funded by donations collected by his association, Challenge4Charity.
In a testimonial posted on LinkedIn, Moustafa recounts an episode that took place on the plane. Benaissa, who has very limited means, insisted on buying him something to eat. Since the trip was announced, he had saved 20 euros from his pocket money. The gesture deeply moved his companion.
The Moroccan entrepreneur has also launched Onbeperkt Umrah, a programme that enables people with disabilities to perform Umrah in Mecca with appropriate assistance. Companions, caregivers and volunteers take part in these trips, which have been organised since 2023. In October 2026, Moustafa announced that he had completed his thirteenth supported Umrah trip.
His project is now taking on a new dimension in Morocco. After accompanying participants from countries including the Netherlands and Belgium, Moustafa is preparing the first accessible Umrah trip departing from the kingdom. On his LinkedIn account, he announced that he had received 14,000 euros in donations from Saudi benefactors to support his initiative. His aim is to provide people with disabilities living in Morocco with the same support he has developed in the Netherlands.
