As a Hazara in Afghanistan, Ali Sina Yousofi grew up as part of a vulnerable ethnic minority group that has faced persecution for decades.
He recalls violence being so commonplace it was no longer a headline, including bomb blasts that hit with such force they slammed doors shut.
Ali left Afghanistan when he was around seven years old, moving first to Pakistan and then Australia with his mother. Settling into life in Sydney, Ali was comforted by his family's newfound safety.
Some cultural differences further instilled that sense of relief, particularly at his school.
I remember when I first moved here in year 6. When I heard that they [school teachers] don’t hit you or anything. I was like ‘Oh my god, this is heaven!’
In year nine, Ali met a girl at his high school who was from the same area of Afghanistan and could understand and relate to his traumatic experiences. It opened the door for Ali to share his story with others.
Ali recalls his journey in the second episode of the podcast My First Year on Aussie Soil.
Suraj Kolarkar delves into tales from people who have found their feet in Australia, sharing their first impressions, and the highs and lows of life in a new country.
Follow My First Year on Aussie Soil in the SBS Radio app, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
