V okviru mednarodnega projekta CO.A.ST – My Coming of Age Story raziskujemo sisteme zaščite mladoletnikov_c brez spremstva in mladih odraslih, ki so nedavno postali polnoletni. Raziskovali smo sisteme v šestih evropskih državah, da bi opredelili skupne izzive in si izmenjali dobre prakse za okrepitev poti sprejema in zaščite.
Med tem delom se je jasno pokazala pomembnost posameznih zgodb: osebnosti, življenjskih izkušenj in želja, ki spodbujajo te mlade ljudi, ter vsakodnevno zavezanost tistih, ki jih podpirajo na njihovi poti k neodvisnosti. Zato smo se odločili, da zberemo in delimo nekatere od teh izkušenj, da bi njihovi glasovi pomagali poglobiti razumevanje realnosti tujih mladih v Evropi in ljudi, ki so del njihovega sistema zaščite.
Danes delimo zgodbo Amira iz Poljske.
Growing Up in Europe: Amir’s Story in Poland
This is the story of Amir*, a young man from Afghanistan who recently turned eighteen. People often notice his calm demeanor and the way his face lights up when he talks about cooking, especially traditional dishes he learned from his mother. Since arriving in Poland, Amir has grown fond of school and everyday routines, and he is steadily improving his Polish, a language that once seemed impossibly difficult to him.
Amir arrived in Poland as an unaccompanied minor, after a long and exhausting journey through several countries. At the time, he was frightened, unsure of where he would end up, and deeply worried about the family he left behind. Today, he is a thoughtful and resilient young adult. Although he still carries many uncertainties about the future, he balances school with vocational training and shows a quiet determination shaped by years of responsibility beyond his age.
Growing up in Afghanistan, Amir experienced instability from an early age. His childhood was marked by insecurity and limited access to education. When circumstances at home became increasingly dangerous, his family made the difficult decision to send him away, hoping he would find safety and a chance to continue his education somewhere else.
After arriving in Poland, Amir was placed in a foster care facility, where all the other children were Polish. The first months were confusing and overwhelming. New rules, a new language, and unfamiliar institutions made him feel isolated. Over time, however, a court-appointed curator was assigned to him. This person became a crucial figure in Amir’s life, helping him understand the Polish system and accompanying him through key moments of his adolescence, especially during the procedure to apply for international protection. The guardians at foster care facility together with the curator supported him with school enrolment, access to psychological assistance and coordination with social services.
With this support, Amir slowly began to feel more secure. He enrolled in a vocational school, where he continued to pursue his interest in gastronomy, and started an internship in a small local canteen run by an NGO. Cooking has become not only a skill but also a way to connect with others and regain a sense of belonging.
Recently, Amir turned eighteen. In Poland, reaching adulthood brings a significant change in legal and social status. He had to leave the foster care facility for minors and move into semi-independent accommodation, which was only possible because he continued his education. The daily presence and protection provided by his guardian formally ended, and Amir was expected to take responsibility for his own affairs.
What worries Amir most now are the formal procedures related to his stay. His application for international protection is still pending, and the long waiting time causes anxiety. As a minor, his curator managed most contacts with authorities and helped him understand official letters. Now, as an adult, Amir must navigate these processes on his own, and he fears that a misunderstanding or missed deadline could have serious consequences.
Despite these fears, Amir remains focused on the future. He wants to finish school, find stable work, and build a safe and independent life in Poland. While the transition to adulthood has been challenging, he continues to move forward with quiet strength, carrying with him the hope that one day he will feel not only safe, but truly at home.
*Name changed.
