From sharing stories of hopes and experiences in a refugee camp to fighting for his dream, Samim Noori, along with his older brother and parents, came to Germany in 1998. Later his youngest brother was born in Germany. Their resettlement was marked by uncertainty and fear. Samim recalls that every day posed a new challenge. Growing up in such an environment, he felt he was not welcome due to the everyday structural racism and prejudice he experienced. Nonetheless, he learned an important lesson: “No road is too rocky if you keep faith in yourself and are willing to fight for your dreams with focus and determination.”

As a young man, Samim explored various professions and began with simple jobs such as delivering newspapers and waitressing, which taught him valuable lessons. He later obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education. Currently, Samim is working as a teacher at a well-known high school (Gymnasium) and is involved in several projects that enable him to develop his skills further. “I am honoured to be able to guide and motivate young individuals on their educational journey,” he says.

During his career, Samim accomplished one of his longtime goals, which was to help his country of origin, Afghanistan, in the field of education. As an International Expert for Educational Development with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), “I provided further training for teachers in Afghanistan and supported them in developing their pedagogical and didactic skills,” he says.

Since 2015, he has been involved in various projects in Germany aimed at promoting equal opportunities. “I support pupils who have a history of migration and face similar challenges that I faced in my earlier days. I want to give them the chance to break down barriers, reach their full potential and create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to grow and thrive. Success is not determined by birth or chance but by hard work and the support of an open society.” The project “Setting the course for immigrants” by Zeit-Stiftung is close to his heart.

Over time, Samim has built up a broad network of friends that support him on difficult days and enrich his everyday life. “These experiences have helped me to appreciate the little things in life even more and to feel grateful for what I have.” For him, Germany offers a lot of positive aspects that he likes. “The cities, which are individually special, the breathtaking landscape and the social system make this country better for living.” He lives with his Afghan culture to the fullest which is what he enjoys and takes pride in. “My childhood in Afghanistan was beautiful and I love my culture. I love to eat Afghan food and I think Afghan cuisine is the best in the world. In my house, we all speak Dari and also dress very traditionally for Afghan festivities. The artistic patterns and designs never cease to amaze me. I am still very connected to my cultural roots, even though I have lived most of my life in Germany.”

To his fellow Afghans: “Be patient and persistent on your path, even when the situation seems hopeless. Remember that challenges and setbacks are a natural part of life and that you should learn from them. Always be open to new experiences and look for ways to integrate yourself. Don’t lose your optimism, and keep in mind that with time and effort, new doors will open, bringing you closer to your dreams. Remember, after the rain, the sun comes out.”

In his personal life, Samim recently got engaged. “I am now lucky enough to have a wonderful fiancée by my side who supports me in all situations and enriches my life in an immeasurable way.” He also dedicates his achievements to his parents, “in the most difficult moments, they were like a protective wall for me and my source of inspiration. Their good advice and belief in me acted like a compass that guided me through life. I am more than proud of them,” Samim adds.

“I wish to make peace a reality for everyone in the world.”