Matin seen against the backdrop of the old port of Mytilene, where refugees from Asia Minor found settlement in 1923. © UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
“My name is Matin. I am from Bamyan, Afghanistan. And I have dreamt of becoming a doctor for as long as I can remember.”.
In the heart of Mytilene, against the backdrop of the blue sea and radiant sun, 19-year-old Matin shares his aspiration of becoming a doctor and speaks passionately about his favourite subjects at school that ignite his curiosity and drive him towards his goal.
“I am fascinated by biology, chemistry and physics; the complexities of black holes, the wisdom of Newton’s third law and the mysteries of the human body. I want to unlock the secrets of existence”, Matin shares, his eyes alight with the spark of discovery. “You see, I don’t like the easy stuff”, he adds, bursting into laughter.
Matin’s resolve is not only reflected in his words but in his actions. He arrived on Lesvos island as an unaccompanied minor, in December 2018. He was just 13 years old. His journey, as with all children who travel alone, was fraught with uncertainty and fear. Separated from his family, he found solace in the freedom he discovered, even amidst the challenging conditions at Moria reception camp.
“At the beginning, everything was difficult,” he recalls. “I didn’t expect I would feel accepted, that I would make friends. That was the first time I was away from my family”.
Today, five years later, Matin thrives within his new community, surrounded by friends who laugh and learn alongside him. He is attending the second grade of experimental high school in Mytilene, as well as exam-prep classes, every day after regular school hours. These are preparatory courses for students who wish to sit the Greek University Entry Exams, which are considered very difficult and competitive. But Matin is determined to succeed. “I study a lot every day, even during the breaks between classes at school. I want to be prepared as much as I can. It’s exhausting, yes, but I am determined to realize my childhood dream and be a cardiologist or a surgeon”, he says in fluent Greek which he learnt at school in Mytilene. Amidst his demanding study schedule, Matin carves out time to paint, play volleyball and go out with his cherished friends.
Matin’s journey has not been one walked alone. People at Ilaktida, a non-profit organization based on Lesvos, have offered to Matin vital support at a time that for many young refugees marks the end of the assistance they receive as children. “As my 18th birthday approached, I was overwhelmed with stress. I did not know what to do. How was I supposed to fend for myself from one day to the next without any support?”, Matin recalls. “But people at Iliaktida helped me a lot, they provided me with a place to stay and supported my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and my dream to enter the medical school”.
Matin explains that he’s fascinated by the complexities of black holes, the wisdom of Newton's third law and the mysteries of the human body. “I want to unlock the secrets of existence. You see, I don’t like the easy stuff”, he adds, bursting into laughter. © UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
Antonis Zeimbekis, Field Coordinator with Iliaktida non-profit organization, underscores the vital role of support to young refugees beyond the age of 18. “There is a crucial bridge that needs to be constructed – a transition from childhood to adulthood”, he says adding that it’s immensely fulfilling to witness the determination of young people like Matin, who diligently pursue their dreams. ©UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
Matin may be fond of biology, chemistry and physics, but he also has a talent for drawing. His mural decorates one of Iliaktida building walls, the non-profit that, as he says, supported him to focus on his studies and his dream to enter the medical school. © Iliaktida
Antonis Zeimbekis, Field Coordinator with Iliaktida, underscores the vital role of support beyond the age of 18. “There is a crucial bridge that needs to be constructed – a transition from childhood to adulthood. Programmes such as the 18+ initiative at Ilaktida serve as this bridge, offering young refugees an opportunity to pause, reflect and plan their future with a sense of tranquillity.”
Antonis explains that the programme operates mainly through donations from private individuals and organizations in Greece and the Czech Republic. “Despite the challenges, we take pride in having helped many young refugees. It’s inspiring to witness these individuals gradually embrace independence and assume responsibility.”, he says. “Moreover, it’s immensely fulfilling to witness the determination of young people like Matin, who diligently pursue their dreams with unwavering resolve.”, Antonis notes.
Reyhaneh Shakibaie, Head of the UNHCR Office on Lesvos, affirms the significance of programmes supporting young refugees after they reach 18. “Every young person deserves essential support, particularly in completing their education, realizing their full potential, and becoming contributing member of society. These aspirations mirror the desires of all parents for their children, as they transition to adulthood. There are young persons, who merely require a gentle nudge to propel them forward”, she notes.
Matin feels motivated by the trust and confidence others have shown in him, including his teachers. “I want to work harder because there are people who believe in me and have treated me with kindness and respect”, he says.
As Matin prepares for yet another physics prep class, he envisions his future with clarity and purpose. “In a few years from now, I see myself in a hospital setting, doing my practice, with my hands steady, my heart full,” he reflects. “But more than that, I imagine myself making a difference, contributing to a world that is fairer, kinder, and more just.” With a swift nod goodbye and a warm smile, he hurries off to ensure he is on time for class.
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