Muhammad at his job in the hair salon, Belgrade, August 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
Muhammad fled Afghanistan six years ago. After an uncertain journey through Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye, Greece and North Macedonia, he finally arrived in Serbia. Soon, he realized that he could build a new life there. However, the early days were not easy.
Upon arriving in Serbia, he was placed in an asylum centre. Despite facing an unfamiliar environment and not knowing the Serbian language, he showed a desire to learn and acquire new skills. His passion for hairdressing began in childhood, and he further honed his skills along the way in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Türkiye.
“In the asylum centre, we had a room with a mirror, a comb, scissors, and a hair clipper, and I worked as a hairdresser there. People with messy hair would come, and I would style their hair. It made me happy when they liked the hairstyle I created for them,” Muhammad says, smiling as he recalls the first few months in Serbia.
With the help of the Center for Social Work and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Muhammad moved to the Pedro Arrupe Integration House in Belgrade, run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Less than a year after arriving in Serbia, he started high school, enrolling in a hairdressing program. He says that he didn’t speak the Serbian language well enough and that it was difficult for him to communicate in a new environment.
“Serbian is a hard language, especially the cases. But when you try to learn and socialize with people who speak Serbian, it becomes easier,” Muhammad says.
His determination to master the language soon led to new friendships. Teachers and students warmly accepted him.
“I had a lot of support from teachers and other students. They didn’t look at me negatively because I was from another country, a refugee, or a foreigner. My best friends are from high school.”
Muhammad honed his skills in the popular "fade" technique during the "Shaping Futures" program, Belgrade, July 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
Muhammad honed his skills in the popular "fade" technique during the "Shaping Futures" program, Belgrade, July 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
Over time, his talent was recognized, and he became a participant in the Shaping Futures program – a program for talented hairdressing students. During the program, Muhammad, along with his peers, gained a deeper understanding of the craft he chose to pursue through practical work, theory, and networking with employers. He was diligent and resourceful in the workshops. His engagement, regular attendance, and thirst for knowledge led him to receive his first real job offer. He started his trial period at a hair salon in Belgrade less than a month ago.
“Muhammad learns quickly. He comes to work with a smile, and people have welcomed him well,” adds Vladimir, the salon owner and Muhammad’s mentor.
On his new job, Muhammad's skill quickly became recognizable among customers, Belgrade, August 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
On his new job, Muhammad's skill quickly became recognizable among customers, Belgrade, August 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
On his new job, Muhammad's skill quickly became recognizable among customers, Belgrade, August 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
On his new job, Muhammad's skill quickly became recognizable among customers, Belgrade, August 2024 ©UNHCR/Dragan Mitić
In nearly four years in Serbia, Muhammad obtained refugee status, successfully finished high school, moved into JRS housing aimed at young people on the path to independence, and, at just 18 years old, started working at the salon.
For those who might find themselves in similar life situations, Muhammad has some advice: “In a new environment, they must learn the language as soon as possible. Then, they should think about what they want to do. And most importantly, never lose hope.”
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