The Madrid barbershop helping young migrants build better futures

When migrant children turn 18, they must leave state care and secure residency, which without a job proves challenging. A new initiative is trying to help.

Madrid, Spain – It is early afternoon and La Pelu de Maakum, or Maakum Barbershop, has just opened up in Spain’s Madrid region. Reggaeton music plays from the speakers, the air conditioning is on full blast and Mohamed Elhkchin, a 17-year-old from Morocco, sweeps the floor. It could be a scene from any barbershop in Getafe, a town of 180,000.