Belgium - Saidi, Afghan refugee child: "I am very grateful for the opportunities I am being given"

08 September 2017

(ANS - Tournai) - Saidi is 14 years old and a year ago he left his home in Kabul, Afghanistan. He did everything to escape the Taliban. He traveled thousands of miles and crossed the sea. He did not ask himself about where to go. Today Saidi is being assisted by the program for unaccompanied minors of the Don Bosco Institute in Tournai, Belgium.

Saidi is an Afghan refugee and "I did not know where to go, but I could not continue living in my country," he explains. The fear of the Taliban forced him to leave everything behind to embark on a dangerous journey without being accompanied by adults.

On arriving in Belgium he was welcomed in one of the Salesian programs for unaccompanied minors. Saidi is one of more than 22,5 million refugees around the world who have fled their countries for persecution, conflict and human rights violations.


Salesian missionaries in Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany ... are working every day with people crossing the Mediterranean, especially by assisting refugee minors traveling alone. They put their lives on the line to flee from violence, hunger, and poverty.

Saidi lives in the Don Bosco Institute of Tournai. "Here young refugees find a place to live. They receive food, clothes, attention, and, most importantly, education," the Salesians explain. "They attend French and English courses, maths, science, physical education, music, drawing classes ... The older ones want a job right away and most want to live in Belgium," says Flore Dubois, a teacher at the Institute.

The journey of young refugees like Saidi is not easy. He has to face different cultures and customs. However, "most young people arrive with the desire to learn and help," says teacher Annie Michel.

"I wish I had never had to leave my country. But no doubt I am very grateful for the opportunities they are giving me," Saidi concludes.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".