My name is Ali Mohammed, I came from Afghanistan when I was twenty years old. When I left my country, there was fighting between the government and the Taliban. During the conflict, many people were being killed. My family members too were all killed, and I was left all alone. Having no one left in Afghanistan, I decided to leave.
When I arrived in Malaysia, I didn’t know anyone here. For about four months, I was homeless, sleeping at the bus station or in the park at night. It was very difficult and lonely, being homeless and without any relatives.
One night, four people came and stole all my belongings – my phone, money and all my possessions. After that, for four months or longer, I continued to live at the bus station or at the park at night.
I approached UNHCR many times to help me, to send me somewhere, but they just told me they had already sent my case to the country, so it depended on the other side to decide. Eventually, I realised that no matter how many times I went to the UN office, they wouldn’t help me. I attempted suicide because I had no way out. In frustration, I cut my arm. Then some people came and helped me. They sent me to the hospital and got me out.
Once I was discharged from the hospital, they sent me to a boys’ shelter. I stayed there for about four or five months. As I was already twenty years old, I couldn’t attend a regular school. I was advised to attend an air conditioning course to acquire a skill that I can utilize to earn a living. So, I studied Air Conditioning which provided me with a UK certificate. It was very good because I studied for four months of intensive classroom knowledge followed by six months of practical training. During that time, I learned about air conditioning systems, troubleshooting, and everything related to air conditioning.
I have a special interest to learn to play the piano. When I was in ElShaddai, I recorded myself on a voice recorder and our teacher found a piano teacher for me. The teacher came every week to teach me the piano. However, it was not easy as I have to work very hard to pay the teacher for the lessons. It was very challenging for me but due to my strong passion to play the piano, I could play it after a few months.
When I went to ElShaddai, they assigned me case workers who really assisted me. Through their assistance, the UNHCR sent my case to another country. Initially, I heard they were supposed to send me to Canada, but later they said they wanted to send me to the USA. I was very happy because it will be a great opportunity to start a new path in life.
After a few months, I received a call from Canada. I was excited because it represented a fresh start. I look forward to work legally and don’t have to be a refugee anymore.
In retrospect, I have had a lot of experience, together with good and bad memories. The bad memory was the day when I was homeless and had to sleep at a bus station. There was then nobody to help me or to talk to. But after a few months, my good experience was coming to ElShaddai.
I realized that in Malaysia, there are some good people who are willing to help.
I’ll miss Malaysia, all my teachers, my best friends who had helped me during bad days and gave me hope. My hope is that when I go to Canada, it will be a better life. I wish to study further, and if possible, to become a piano teacher. I also wish to meet someone and get married and live a better life in the future.
It has not been easy to live as refugee in Malaysia. However, God is gracious, and He has sent many people who had helped me and given me hope in Malaysia. Through ElShaddai, I had the opportunity to learn the special skill in Air-Conditioning and the love extended to me by the sisters and brothers here have helped me through some very difficult times of my life.
My message to those refugees still in Malaysia is not to lose hope but to stay positive and pray to God for His guidance. Take up the opportunity to study or to learn a new skill. Learn to work with people and don’t have bad connotations about people even when they don’t pay your salary or at times, being unkind to you. Through my own experience, I can say that in Malaysia, in Afghanistan or even in Canada, there will be some good and bad people. Trust in God, don’t be disheartened and keep striving for your dreams.
Edited by Andrea Lee
June 11, 2024
