I Believe That My Dream Will Come True

n every corner of the world, there are children who, despite obstacles, nurture big dreams. Amer, a 17-year-old boy from Morocco, believes that only courage can open the door to the future he envisions. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” His story shows that even the most impassable road can become a path toward achieving dreams, with effort, support, and unwavering faith in oneself.

“My name is Amer. I am 17 years old and I come from Morocco,” he tells us, speaking modestly about his life. His dream is to become a well-known and respected hairdresser, to find his peace, and to achieve his goals in Italy. That dream guided him through hardship, but also through the perseverance that makes him stand out today. He left behind his family—his parents, seven sisters, and one brother—and set out on a journey full of challenges, not knowing where it would lead him. For him, Italy is a symbol of safety, hope, and new opportunities.

As he recounts his experience, Amer admits that he faced many obstacles. During that long journey, in one of the countries he passed through, people mocked him because of his left hand, marked by a congenital deformity that often drew unwanted attention. “They told me that with a hand like this, I would never succeed,” he says quietly, yet with a determination that reveals his strength. Still, he never gave up. “I always told myself: You can do it.” Despite everything, his hope and desire to succeed remained unshaken.

Today, at the Ušivak Temporary Reception Centre, Amer finally has the opportunity to work toward his dream. Thanks to an educational programme at the Hadžići Secondary School Centre, children on the move have the opportunity to learn alongside children from the local community. “I’m already ready for school,” he said one morning as he hurried along, worried he might be late. His effort and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In the school hallways, children and staff approach him every day with smiles, wanting to get to know him. In hair-cutting and blow-drying classes, his talent immediately became evident. Although he shyly hides his left hand, Amer feels accepted and safe here, knowing that he is valued for his abilities and determination.

UNICEF BiH and World Vision Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the Ušivak reception centre, work every day to ensure that children and young people on the move have the opportunity to participate in educational programmes that help them grow and prepare for the future. Organising their attendance at local schools, such as the Hadžići Secondary School Centre, as well as vocational training for professions such as hairdresser and cook, is part of the key activities of this service. In addition to formal education, children are also offered non-formal programmes—language classes, creative workshops, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and other subjects. These programmes are not only an opportunity to gain knowledge, but also an important step toward empowering children and young people on the move. In this way, children and young people not only acquire new knowledge and skills, but also spend their time in the centre in a meaningful way, learning and building a better future.

As the training programme draws to a close, Amer can hardly wait to receive his diploma. “I can’t wait for the diploma that will be proof of my effort and success. My dream will come true after all,” he says with a smile on his face, his eyes shining with pride. His journey has not been easy, but every step has been worth it. The diploma is not just a piece of paper; for Amer, it represents a symbol of hope, recognition of his work, and one step closer to his goal.

Amer’s journey teaches us that dreams are not only destinations, but processes shaped by small daily victories. His determination and desire to overcome obstacles are proof of how the strength of will can rise above every challenge. With the support he found at the Ušivak reception centre and in the educational programme, Amer was not only learning how to cut and blow-dry hair—he was building his path toward self-confidence, self-belief, and a better future. His story does not end with a diploma; it raises the question: what can we achieve when we give someone the opportunity to believe in themselves? Amer found the strength to move forward, and his story now becomes an inspiration for all of us to be that support for others in achieving their goals.

With its partners, and with the support of the European Union, UNICEF BiH provides non-formal education services in reception centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and supports education authorities in including children on the move in formal education through preparatory programmes and vocational training.