“The HOME Project helped me. Now, it’s my turn to help others”. 

Noureddine, 20 years old, Algeria


When Noureddine first arrived in Greece as an unaccompanied minor, he didn’t speak the language and had no idea what to expect. He was simply hoping for a better future. Originally from Algeria, he spent three years living in one of our shelters.

“The beginning was hard”, he recalls. “I didn’t speak Greek or English, and everything was new to me. Sometimes there were tensions with the other kids because of cultural differences”. But over time, things began to shift. With steady support from the staff, along with attending school and taking language classes, Noureddine not only learned to communicate, but also started to feel like he belonged.

“I was supported and encouraged. I could focus on my studies, and also play music and football. The food was good, and the staff were always respectful”, he says. “The curfew was tough, because I couldn’t go out until late at night with my friends. But with time, I understood why”. Eventually, Noureddine moved into his own apartment and began a new chapter — this time as a team member. He is now working as an interpreter at The HOME Project. His lived experience gives him the ability to connect with the children in our care on a unique level.

“I went through what they’re going through. We share the same starting point. So I understand them and they can relate to me”. A lot of the children feel more comfortable opening up to Noureddine because they see themselves in him.

“Sometimes they joke with me, and of course, they test boundaries. After all, they’re teenagers”, he laughs. “They ask for things they know they can’t have, like treats before dinner, and they insist. But I get it. I was exactly the same at their age. So I take the time to explain things, and they calm down”.

Today, Noureddine acts as a crucial link between the children and the staff, helping to ease communication and strengthen mutual understanding. “I can often sense things before they’re even said — a look, a tone, a shift in mood. I try to step in early, explain, translate, de-escalate. It makes a difference”, he admits.

His presence brings calm, familiarity, and a sense of continuity particularly for newer children who are still finding their footing. While staff rely on him to help navigate sensitive moments, the kids turn to him not just for support with the language, but for reassurance. “Even just being there matters”, he adds. “Especially in the beginning, they just want to know that someone gets it”.

For many of the children, Noureddine represents what’s possible: a way forward, built on strength, resilience, and connection. As an interpreter, Noureddine plays a key role in the daily life of the shelter, but his impact goes far beyond translation. He’s also a mentor and a role model for younger children navigating the same path he once walked.

“The HOME Project helped me”, he emphasizes. “Now, it’s my turn to help others”.

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