Afghan inspires other refugees with mini robot creation in Greece

Karimi says robot Athens demonstrates what immigrants can achieve when given the opportunity and how they can benefit society

An Afghan refugee who moved to Greece five years ago became an influence for other migrants with a mini robot he created through his own means while grappling to hold onto life reports the Anadolu agency

Saidullah Karimi lives in the capital Athens with his physiotherapist wife, Shaista Karimi, and their four children aged 11, 14, 22 and 23.

Karimi told Anadolu Agency that he decided to produce the robot, which he named Athens, in order to show what refugees can achieve when given the opportunity and how they can benefit society.

Karimi, who worked as an orthopedic technician in Afghanistan for more than 20 years, now works as a translator for a non-governmental organization to support his family while keeping ties to his profession, which he has dedicated himself to for years.

Recalling the difficulties they faced in their initial days after arriving in Athens, Karimi said they had a “very frustrating time.”

“The economy was not good here, especially for refugees. Because we’re unable to speak or understand the language. I also looked for an orthopedics workshop where I could practice my profession, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find it,” he said.

Karimi believes that if refugees are given the chance, they can provide valuable contributions to humanity.

He asserted that if given the chance, refugees can make a difference and that they have skills; all they need is a chance.

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