I am a refugee and a child actor, and I came to Greece as an unaccompanied child of around 11 years old. My mother language is Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi, which I speak. I also picked up English and Greek on the way, which I speak fluent, very fluent. I do know a little bit of Arabic and Farsi as well, and I even began to learn Chinese but gave up because it was too difficult.
My first learning experience in Greece was a summer school programme organised by METAdrasi. I then attended the 6th grade of the school of Palaio Faliro, which was endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Education. I then completed three years of junior high school and three years of high school, and I am now pursuing my studies in Cybersecurity at a Greek college.
I myself have resided in unaccompanied children refugee accommodation and have assisted and accompanied many other children in the same situation. I know the refugee experience firsthand — not only because of my own experience, but also because of the experiences of those I was surrounded by during my youth.
I picked up Greek largely from friendships and everyday life. Speaking is still sometimes hard, yet I can easily converse and follow most of the dialogue. I find that language is not merely acquired — it’s lived.
To me, “rooting” (ρίζωμα) means to grow where you’ve fallen, and to help others grow as well. I would love to be of use to the next generation of refugee youth. Every positive contribution, no matter how insignificant, counts. I believe by living my life and staying connected to the community, I can be a bridge for others — someone who is between two worlds and connects them.