My family is my future: Asadullah’s story

For nine years, Asadullah separated from his family but strong determination, prayers and assistance from IOM, has helped Asadullah reunite once again with his wife, Fatima, and his children, Rabia, Rima and Yusuf.

“This is my first Ramadhan with my family after nine years. I couldn’t be happier,” said Asadullah. 

“My children and I spent months on the boat from Cox Bazaar to Lhoskseumawe with the hope that we will be reunited again with my husband,” said Fatima

“I want to be a doctor when I grow up. All the doctors and nurses who have been taking care of me from when I first arrived here inspired me to become one,” said Rabia.

“I want to be a teacher when I grow up. I want to be able to teach multiple languages,” said Rima.

“I want to become a math teacher because I like numbers,” said Yusuf.

“We all want what’s best for our children. We went through a difficult journey because we want a better future for our children. For me, my family is my future. Seeing my children achieving their dream is my goal in life,” said Asadullah.

In March and April 2021, IOM Indonesia facilitated the movement of 87 Rohingya refugees from a temporary shelter in Lhokseumawe, Aceh to Medan, North Sumatera.  Asadullah family is one of the families to be transferred by IOM, following coordination with the Government’s Joint Task Force for Handling of Refugees.  In Medan, Asadullah and his family will be provided with a package of support from IOM Indonesia, including accommodation in community housing, monthly cash allowances, access to health care, education and vocational training, and Mental Health and Psychosocial (MHPSS) services.

These services are in line with those services provided to refugees under IOM Indonesia’s long-standing refugee assistance programme which supports nearly 7,800 refugees throughout Indonesia, representing approximately 60% of the total refugee population in the country. Both movements and the provision of life-sustaining support to this group is made possible by the support of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

“Being reunited with my family means the world to me. With the movement to Medan, I hope my children can have more access to education, so they are one step closer to their dream and eventually can grow to be beneficial to their surroundings,” said Asadullah.

“My family and I would like to wish everyone, Eid Mubarak! May this Eid serves as a reminder to all of us that family is the most important thing in the world, especially because they are our supplies in joy and our shelters in misfortunes,” said Asadullah.