Alex grew up in Lebanon, a country marked by unrest and conflict. Even as a child, he faced adversity – bullying and harassment that left deep scars. As he grew older, he found his voice as a journalist. Writing became a passion, and he took a clear stand against injustice and abuse of power in a country where freedom of expression could be costly. 

Lebanon was in chaos. Civil war and the situation in the Middle East made everyday life unpredictable and dangerous. Alex's political involvement and articles led to his arrest.  

He spent two years in prison, the first six months in solitary confinement. It was a time of loneliness and fear. As the months passed, he felt his stay created a new person. A new Alex. A stronger Alex. 

After his release, he was granted political asylum in Norway. It was no longer safe for him to stay in Lebanon. This was the start of a new life. 

Finally, Alex felt that he could do what he wanted, without the fear of being imprisoned. In Norway, he could breathe freely, write freely, and live freely. For the first time, he felt safe. The police, whom he had previously feared, now became a symbol of protection. 

Alex worked in communications and as a freelance journalist when he came to Norway. But due to downsizing, he lost his job. The political involvement he still carried with him began to take its toll on his mental health. He felt powerless and depressed.  

That's when his NAV supervisor stepped in. She suggested he take a break from the politics and war that had characterized his life for so long. She sent him to Caritas , where he started as a volunteer at the resource center. Alex was skeptical. After many years of working, volunteering felt like a step back. But it turned out to be a turning point in his life.  

At Caritas He was able to use his experience to help immigrants and migrants. People who were in the midst of the same confusion and uncertainty that he himself had experienced. He guided them about NAV, UDI and the Norwegian tax system. He became the person he himself had needed when he came to Norway. 

-Most people who come to a new and foreign country just need one person to show them the way, he says, adding: - a person who understands. 

In the future, he wants to continue helping others. He also wants Norwegian society to gain a better understanding of the situation minorities and refugees face.  

Today, Alex has found peace. He has a girlfriend, a steady job, and friends. He no longer lives in survival mode. "Life smiles," he says.  

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