Amir (21) is a Syrian citizen, but was born and raised in Kuwait. In Austria, he appreciates the security – and minced meat patties with mashed potatoes. ‘Social, positive and a leader’ are the three words that best describe Amir from his point of view.

Place of birth
Farwaniya, Kuwait

Education/occupation
→ Apprenticeship as a human resources services specialist, AMS Vienna

My name is Amir, I was born and raised in Kuwait. I am a Syrian citizen, but I only lived in Syria for two years. In 2015, I came to Austria with my parents when I was eleven. We had a residence permit, but in 2018 my parents wanted to go back. I was not happy about that at all.

     Three years later, at the age of 17, I came to Austria on my own. I dropped out of school at that time.
In Syria, I would have had to join the military, which I didn't want to do. Then I remembered that I still had a valid asylum passport, so I flew away. At first, I was sent to the initial reception centre in Traiskirchen, and after two months I was transferred to the refugee centre in Korneuburg.

     The refugee centres were really awful, but we made the best of it. We didn't get much money. We cleaned for €1.50 an hour so that we could buy food. The food there was really disgusting. Later, I lived with my uncle. After 20 months, I received my residence permit.

»It was really bad in the refugee homes, but we made the best of it.«

From 2015 to 2018, I lived in Leonding and attended secondary school there. I felt at home in Austria: I could simply go to school without worrying that anything would happen. Staying out late with friends was no problem. It was so safe and always fun. It was a wonderful time. I still have many friends in Leonding and visit them regularly.

     Now I live in Vienna in a shared flat. I have moved many times. Last year, my parents came to Austria as part of a family reunification programme. But when Syria was liberated on 8 December, their asylum application was put on hold the next day. They no longer received social security benefits and had no health insurance. So they went back to Syria. I talk to my family on the phone every day.

     I found out about Kicken ohne Grenzen through Abdullah, whom I met in Korneuburg. He made me realise that you can play football just for fun.

»Simply going to school without worrying that something might happen.«

To everyone who joins the association, I say: ‘Take a look, you're sure to have fun and learn something that will help you in life.’ To everyone who joins the association, I say: ‘Take a look, you're sure to have fun and learn something that will help you in life.’

     I completed my compulsory schooling in 2024. Then I joined the lobby.16 association. There, they help you find an apprenticeship. While you are looking for an apprenticeship, you have lessons in mathematics, German and English. In the first month, there was a workshop where AMS employees talked about the apprenticeship to become a human resources services clerk. I liked that. About 300 people applied for the apprenticeship. In the end, two were selected, and I was one of them. It starts in September. I'm really motivated; I'd love to start working right now.

     In the future, I definitely want to have a flat where I can stay. In ten years, I want to be married, have children and be happy. I want peace of mind and no worries. I hope to be self-employed. I want to be able to say, ‘I did it.’

     An abnormal amount has happened in the last ten years. Ten years ago, I was a small child playing in the street. Now I'm in Vienna and will soon be starting an apprenticeship. I've got to know myself and acquired many skills. I can take responsibility and am much more self-confident. I'm proud of myself. I know there's still a lot to learn. And that's what I'm going to do.

»I have got to know myself and acquired many skills.«

Fotos: Karo Pernegger
Interviews: Birgit Riezinger

Diese Geschichten wurden im Rahmen des 10-jährigen Jubiläums von Breaking Grounds protokolliert.