Asib Malekzada, 36, comes from a simple working-class family. His father was an electrician, and his mother was a teacher at Habibia High School in Kabul. The family moved to Germany for about 30 years ago. Asib is married and lives in Kassel, a large city in central Germany. The first days in their new home were confusing for the family, as they had lived in a small village. Learning his native language as a child was especially difficult for Asib. “The Dari language was complicated and very difficult for me at first, but with a lot of practice and patience, I was eventually able to master it. It was an exciting experience,” he says. His parents wanted to retain cultural ties to their country of origin.

For Asib, living in Germany is not always easy, but he is thankful for the security and educational opportunities. “I was determined to take advantage of opportunities that have shaped my life today,” he says. Asib is currently working as a project manager for the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs. He is also engaged in politics, as he has been a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany for almost 20 years. “During that time, I have contributed by actively participating in various political committees.” He continues to learn and grow, and if ever possible, he would like to help Afghanistan with his skills and expertise.

There are many aspects of Germany such as security, the education system, punctuality, social security system, health, and the authenticity and unconscious modesty of the people that make the country a special place for Asib. “Germany attaches great importance to the well-being of its citizens and the environment. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but the basic approach is there. The people here are open-minded and willing to learn. I feel very comfortable here and I am grateful for that.” Nevertheless, he considers restrictions due to official regulations and bureaucracy unpleasant. He also mentions that discrimination and racism still occur in many areas.

His journey to this day has been reasonable for Asib. Growing up in Germany, he encountered a variety of interesting experiences. “My schoolmates became my friends, and they are still a part of my life today. The solidarity and respect that my friends show me always makes me feel like I belong.”

Asib has visited Afghanistan twice so far. In August 2021, when the Taliban took over the country, he visited there for a private matter and for the last time. “Despite the challenges the country was facing, I could experience the beauty of its landscape, the mountains, and the warm hospitality of the people. I was fascinated by the diversity of Afghan culture,” he says.

He advises fellow Afghans and newcomers to Germany: “Sufficient knowledge of German is crucial to navigate everyday life and take advantage of new career opportunities. Rapid integration into society by establishing contacts with locals, understanding rights and obligations in Germany, as well as respect and tolerance, are of great importance. It is important to accept the different lifestyles, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of other people.”

Reflecting on everything he has achieved in his life fills Asib with pride. “The feeling of having found my place in society in a foreign country, where I can have a say and help shape things, is by no means a given. That’s why I appreciate it all the more and am very grateful for it.”

Asib and his wife had their first child at the end of May this year. “It’s a little boy and we are really looking forward to the countless moments of happiness and joy,” he says with loving eyes.

“I wish to make the world a better place. I would like to end hunger and the horrors of war. Finally bring hope to the people of Afghanistan after almost half a century of conflict by providing education, employment opportunities, a solid infrastructure, and good healthcare. I hope that Afghanistan will one day find peace and stability again, so we can visit our relatives and families in a peaceful atmosphere.”