Amin Niazai was visiting North Canada to compile research for his PhD on climate change when the Taliban claimed rule of the only country he had known as home.
The 34-year-old Afghan had also been working on a plan that would help to promote greenery reforestation in deserts and mountainous areas in Afghanistan.
“I was thinking that I could put my plan in effect and thinking about how we can establish a research center…to battle climate change and desertification,” he said.
“I was so passionate, and desperately waiting to go and start. I was not able to go back and implement my plan.”
Mr Niazai said it was distressing watching the bad news unfold and he was extremely concerned for his family’s safety.
“My brother was working as an interpreter with the Australian Defence Force…and my brother was in special forces…they went into hiding.”
Mr Niazai was able to apply for a humanitarian visa through his work with the United Nations where he helped local communities reduce the risk of food insecurity caused by droughts and other disasters.
Along with his wife and three children, Mr Niazai traveled to Australia and put down roots in Hoppers Crossing.
“Generally I think that some people think refugees are a burden on society, and they need government assistance and they’re not independent and they can’t contribute to society,” he said.
As part of Refugee Week, events and activities are held across the nation that aim to inform the public about refugees and the positive contributions they make to Australian society.
Mr Niazai dreams of being able to apply his knowledge and skills to better his new home.
