True story: “I left my country for my career because I wanted to learn as much as I could from the best professionals in Europe because I love what I do.” 31 years old Adem from Bosnia and Herzegovina
The BODE project (#BrezOvirDoEnakosti) is committed to empowering people with a migrant background in the field of advocacy, as they often do not get the right opportunity to present their side of the story. This time, however, it is different – by sharing real stories, we are fighting against the prejudice that migrants are not educated or skilled enough to participate equally and qualitatively in the progress of Slovenian society.
In this context, we will share with you 10 true stories of people with migrant backgrounds in Slovenia.
5️⃣This is Adem’s story…
Adem (31), from Bosnia and Herzegovina, graduated from the University of Tuzla. He attended the Faculty of Mining Geology and Construction – Department of Geology. Later, he enrolled in a Master’s degree at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Geology.
“I currently work at the Building Research Institute of Slovenia. I left my country for my career because I wanted to learn as much as I could from the best professionals in Europe because I love what I do.”
There is often a prejudice in Slovenia against immigrants, that they are taking advantage of the system and taking money out of the public purse, but Adem is proving that he is contributing equally to our country’s economy. The decision to move was not an easy one, but he took it with heart and a love for his work, and he is helping with the important work and scientific research activities of the Institute of Civil Engineering.
“My problems in Slovenia were mostly about getting a visa. The procedures are not user-friendly, they are quite time-consuming and I think it would be a good idea to explore ways to make it easier and faster for foreigners to regularize their status, both in terms of residence, work, and elsewhere.”
Adem concluded his story by saying that he wants to see a society where we contribute better and fight for equal rights for all, regardless of color, religion, or nationality.
