Former Afghan Refugee Empowers Ukrainian Refugees in Slovakia

Nadia’s Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Contribution

Nadia’s journey as a refugee began in the late 1990s when she arrived in Košice, Slovakia, at just 19 years old, fleeing her home country, Afghanistan. Now, over 25 years later, she has become a pillar of support for refugees, using her own experiences of displacement to empower others. Her story is one of resilience, hope and a deep commitment to giving back to the community that embraced her.

"When I arrived in Slovakia, I was completely alone," Nadia recalls.

"I had no family with me, and I didn’t know the language. But I was determined to rebuild my life and find my place in this new country."

From the beginning, Nadia knew that integration would be key to her success. She quickly learned Slovak and immersed herself into both her studies and volunteering for the local Afghan community in Košice.

"Volunteering helped me feel connected," she explains. "It wasn’t just about helping others; it was about becoming part of a larger community and finding my own identity here."

Over the years, Nadia became increasingly involved in local NGOs, helping not only Afghan refugees but also others who arrived in Slovakia seeking safety. Her work expanded, and she found herself translating for refugees at border crossings and supporting families in reception centers. When the Ukraine crisis erupted in February 2022, Nadia was once again on the front lines, this time working with Ukrainian refugees who had fled the war.

"I saw the same fear in their eyes that I had when I first came to Slovakia," Nadia says. "War is universal in the way it impacts people. Whether you come from Afghanistan, Syria, or Ukraine, you carry the same hope for safety and stability."

For Nadia, empowering refugees is more than just offering immediate assistance; it’s about giving them the tools to rebuild their lives in a new country. "It’s essential that we empower refugees to become contributors to society," she says.

"When people are given the opportunity to contribute, it changes not only their own lives but the community’s perception of them. They stop being seen as ‘outsiders’ and start being seen as equals."

Through her work with Ukrainian refugees, Nadia has helped many navigate the challenges of integration. She emphasizes the importance of learning the local language, finding employment, and engaging with the community. "I always tell them, ‘You must learn the language and be willing to work hard. Integration is a two-way street, and it requires both effort and patience.’"

Nadia understands the challenges refugees face, having personally experienced prejudice when she first arrived in Slovakia. "At that time, there were few refugees or foreigners in my community, and language barriers, along with cultural differences, created some distance between us and the Slovaks. However, I was fortunate to make a few Slovak friends who offered their support. I soon realized that, while not everyone would be open, there were always people willing to help me succeed."

That experience shaped her approach to the refugees she now supports.

"I tell them to overlook the negativity they may face and focus on building connections. When we contribute positively, the community responds, and we start to see change."

As a teacher, translator, and community worker, Nadia has become a trusted figure among the Ukrainian refugees she helps. "They know I’m not Slovak, and that creates a bond. They trust me because I’ve been in their shoes. They ask for my advice and share their fears, and we create a friendship built on shared understanding."

Reflecting on her journey, Nadia still holds onto the hope that one day she will visit Afghanistan to reconnect with her family. "My father used to tell me, ‘Wherever you go, you must create a small family.’ I’ve done that here in Slovakia, but I hope that one day, my family and I can return to our home in Afghanistan."

In the meantime, Nadia continues to dedicate herself to helping others rebuild their lives, just as she once did.

"We can’t choose where war and displacement take us, but we can choose how we respond. For me, it’s about giving back to the community that gave me a new chance at life. And I hope that the people I help will one day do the same."

Nadia’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of refugees. Her belief in the power of community and contribution serves as an inspiration to those around her. "When refugees are empowered to rebuild their lives, they bring so much to the community," she says. "It’s not just about survival—it’s about thriving and making a difference wherever you are."

By Stylianos Kostas in Bratislava, Slovakia