Grapple with self-identity: "I've always felt as if the label 'refugee' was permanently etched onto my being"

In a heartwarming tale of resilience, Thamer Khale, a 32-year-old Yazidi from Shingal, northern Iraq, has carved out a successful life for himself in Germany.

Khale arrived in Germany in 2014, fleeing the attacks by the Islamic State (IS) that had plagued his city. His journey was fraught with danger, including torture and the loss of fellow travellers. Upon reaching Germany, Khale felt like a "third or fourth-class human."

Despite these challenges, Khale's spirit remained unbroken. His determination was fuelled by Chancellor Merkel's phrase: "We can do this!" This sentiment resonated with him, and he decided to rebuild his life in Germany.

Khale spent the next two years living in a refugee home, where he learned German independently. His perseverance paid off, as he was able to resume his profession as a health and nursing professional in 2020. Since March 1, 2024, he has been working at the LWL Clinic for Forensic Psychiatry in Aplerbeck.

Khale's journey to recognition in his profession is not without its complexities. Specific German organizations or institutions assisting Thamer Khale for recognition of his training and qualification as a health and nursing professional in Germany are not publicly documented.

Despite these challenges, Khale remains optimistic. He advises others to focus on the positive things and not let racists get you down. He also encourages self-pride and not to reproach oneself for unachieved goals.

Khale's experiences have not been without hardship. He has faced continued struggles with bureaucracy regarding his residence permit, driver's license, training, studies, and asylum application. However, he has faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating a remarkable resilience.

In his free time, Khale enjoys participating in sports such as football, tennis, basketball, and going on cycling tours. He also wrote about his journey to Germany in the magazine "New in Germany."

Khale's experiences have given him a unique perspective. He believes Germans cannot fully understand the experiences of Yazidis. He emphasizes the dangers Yazidis still face in Iraq and does not want his children to experience the same.

Despite the adversity he has faced, Khale's story is one of hope and resilience. He is now a fluent German speaker, a respected health and nursing professional, and a proud member of his community. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and a positive attitude, one can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Grapple with self-identity: "I've always felt as if the label 'refugee' was permanently etched onto my being"