Afghan inspires other refugees with mini robot creation in Greece

An Afghan refugee who moved to Greece five years ago became an inspiration for other migrants with a mini robot he created through his own means while struggling to hold onto life.

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.

Changing image of refugees

He said his effort was not just to stand on his own two feet, but also to change people's perceptions about refugees and to inspire and encourage other immigrants.

"I was depressed because I couldn't find work. When I applied for jobs in some orthopedic workshops, they laughed at me and refused to hire me. I am now sure if it was for economic reasons, or there were other reasons. However, when I was grieving at home, I decided to demonstrate to them the capabilities of refugees," he commented.

Noting that the robot production phase took a year, Karimi said the idea for a robot production came to his mind while he was drinking a soft drink, and noticed that the bottle had a "proper shape" to make a thigh bone.

"Then I started to draw a design and then began making the robot," he said.

Karimi informed that the robot is made entirely of recyclable waste materials, which sends a message about environmental consciousness.

The robot is a prototype with sensors in its eyes and can move its head right and left by following hand movements, he explained and added that if given the opportunity, it may be transformed into a device that helps children with walking difficulties and teaches them how to walk.

Karimi, who reads books and conducts lessons to children at the refugee camp on Samos Island, stressed the need of providing support to refugee children living in challenging circumstances.

Refugee children should be given opportunity

Karimi also touched upon the difficulties the refugee children face when taking refuge in a "host country," where everything is totally "different and new" to them.

"When children are not supported in the camps... when they do not go to schools, they fight with each other and remain idle. We need to do something for them gradually. They should be given language classes," he stressed.

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.

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev from Ankara