Meet Samir Aboukaf, our Translator and Cultural Mediator

For nearly four years, Samir Aboukaf has worked as a translator and cultural mediator for the DRC, caring for people on the move in the area of Una-Sana, Tuzla, and Sarajevo cantons. The majority of his working hours he spends in temporary reception centers, while occasionally Samir is a part of the mobile team, which offers protection of human rights and medical assistance to people who don't have access to accommodation in reception centers.

„I've spent the last ten years in humanitarian missions across the Balkans, during which I've discovered my passion for being dedicated to helping those in need. My language and communication skills give me the background I need to accomplish the necessary goals, especially when it comes to raising intercultural awareness, sensitivity, and clear communication between our team and people on the move, as well as ensuring quality and culturally appropriate interpretation," said Samir.

Gathering data on medical and humanitarian issues, paying close attention to vulnerabilities in order to give accurate information for operational decision-making, and providing people on the move with protective services, are some of Samir's daily activities.ž

„My years of experience, which I brought to DRC after working for several other humanitarian organizations in the region, from Greece to Bosnia, has allowed me to gain knowledge of the context of migration. My knowledge of several languages and dialects enables me to comprehend various problems and offer the best possible response. I can cover a wide range of cultural backgrounds from the Levant to North Africa with my fluency in the Syrian, Iraqi, and Dariza dialects as well as other cultures that are part of mixed migration context on the Balkan route.“

Samir usually relaxes physically and mentally after work by hanging out with friends, listening to music, and watching documentaries. Samir also enjoys some hobbies like poetry, writing, photography, acting, and do-it-yourself crafts.

„The River Una is beautiful throughout the year. Several days a week after my shift, I visit the river and go for a walk while taking pictures of the various natural scenes the river creates,“ concludes Samir.