Zargai Afzali

Zargai Afzali-- Perugia, Italy linkedin.com/in/zargai-afzali-a Profile Experienced professional in cultural mediation and interpretation, with proficiency in Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Italian, and English languages. Specializing in the field of immigration and asylum, I have provided crucial support in interviews, mediation, and related documentation for Migrants. My ability to facilitate communication between asylum seekers and competent authorities has contributed to the decision-making process and the well-being of individuals involved. Communicative, empathetic, and aware of the challenges of immigration, I am ready to offer my skills to ensure a smooth and respectful process in this delicate context. Professional Experience 2024/05 – present Calabria, Italy cultural mediator International Rescue Committee (IRC) Assist in identifying and referring individuals with specific needs, prioritizing GBV survivors, UASC and at risk children. Provide Dari and Pashto cultural mediation during information sessions. Deliver accurate information on rights, prioritizing asylum access for women, children, and families. Offer feedback on information materials and support psychological first aid as needed. Assist in updating service mapping and support protection monitoring activities. • • • • • 2024/04 – 2024/05 Msida, Malta consultant- Data Collector IOM Collecting data from migrants in Malta involves conducting surveys through interviews with migrants from diverse cultural backgrounds at various migrant centers across Malta. This process also entails coordinating with local authorities and utilizing the KOBO application system to ensure accuracy and efficiency. The aim is to provide reliable information on the current influx of migrants towards Europe 2023/08 – 2024/01 Siena, Italy cultural mediator Ospita srl Helping to facilitate communication between the operators of the center and refugees or migrants. Providing information and guidance on the laws, procedures, and services available in the new country, helping people understand their rights and obligations. Making C3 application to Questura. Helping refugees or migrants access basic services, such as medical care, education, and social services. Giving general information for migrants who has commission. Accompanying migrants in the Hospital and Police Headquarters • • • • • • 2022/10 – 2023/05 Dimitrovgrad, Serbia Interpreter, Cultural Mediator Frontex ( European border and coast guard police ) Facilitating communication between border officers and migrants, asylum seekers, or travelers who may not speak the local language. Helping officers better understand the cultural norms, customs, and behaviors of the individuals they encounter, reducing misunderstandings. Ensuring that interviews are culturally sensitive, respectful, and conducted in a manner that allows migrants to express themselves freely. Helping disseminate information about the asylum process, border procedures, and legal rights to migrants and asylum seekers. • • • • Referring Asylum seekers in need of medical or psychological assistance to the appropriate authorities. Providing additional support to vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking, or individuals with special needs. • • 2022/05 – 2022/10 Alessandria, Italy Cultural Mediator Azimut cooperative providing support and assistance to Minor migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the Camp and facilitating the communication. experienced trauma, violence, or other distressing situations. Countries or during their journey. This support includes addressing mental health issues and providing psychosocial assistance. offering information about legal rights, asylum procedures, and available services within and outside the camp. Managing the minors Camp during my shift, making sure that all the minors are in the Camp, controlling the kitchen. welcoming new minors in the Camp, staying in constant touch with police. • • • • • 2022/08 – 2022/10 Novara, Italy Social Operator Educamondo cooperative Assessing the individual needs of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare, education, legal assistance, and vocational training. Paying special attention to the needs of children, ensuring their safety, education, and access to appropriate healthcare. Responsible of the Camp during my shift, answering police calls, responding to the camp residents needs like calling doctor in case of emergency. Monitoring living conditions, security, and human rights within the camp. • • • • • 2021/05 – 2022/03 Perugia, Italy Translator Cies Onlus Providing accurate and impartial interpretation between asylum seekers and immigration officials. Helping bridge the cultural and linguistic gaps between asylum seekers and the host country's legal system. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the information disclosed during asylum interviews and proceedings. Assisting in documenting interviews, testimonies, and other interactions by translating written documents, forms, and evidence provided by asylum seekers. Preparing asylum seekers for interviews, explaining the process, potential questions, and the importance of providing honest and consistent information. • • • • • Perugia, Italy Cultural Mediator Cidis Onlus facilitating communication between individuals of different cultural backgrounds, providing interpretation and cultural guidance, assisting with accessing services, mediating conflicts, advocating for clients' rights, collaborating with colleagues and partners, maintaining confidentiality, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. 2020/10 – 2021/02 Lesvos, Greece Interpreter and Cultural Mediator EASO (European Asylum support office) Facilitating communication between asylum seekers, refugees, and EASO officials from Germany for resettlement program from Greece to Germany by providing interpretation and translation services. Ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive interpretation to bridge language gaps during interviews. Assisting asylum seekers in understanding the asylum process, their rights, and responsibilities. • • • Recognizing and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, such as minors, victims of trauma, or individuals with specific cultural or religious considerations. • 2021/11 – 2022/04 Perugia, Italy Interpreter Sprar Interpretation and cultural mediation with new arrivals from Afghanistan, helping them with translation of documents, mediation for health services and their integration in Italy. 2021/07 – present Italy Interpreter Eurostreet Online interpretation by phone call or by video call for beneficiaries in Dari, Farsi, Pashtu to Italian and Vice versa, which I facilitate communication of them in the Camp, in the hospital, university, school. Education 2018/09 – 2021/04 Perugia, Italy Master of International Relations and development cooperation University for foreigners of Perugia Herat, Afghanistan Bachelor of Administrative and Diplomacy Herat university Skills problem solving Cultural Sensitivity Asylum Procedures Knowledge Cross-Cultural Communication Documentation Crisis Management Refugee Assistance Kobo Application Proficiency Data Collection and Analyst IT and Microsoft office Languages Dari, Farsi Pashtu Italian English French spanish Arabic Certificates European Ombudsman for Interculture International Humanitarian law (IHL) conference Management Leadership IOM Data Protection Principles Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse preventing Fraud and curruption at IRC fundamentals of Project cycle management Business Administration Driver license - B Ethics and Conduct at IOM: The Values We Share BSAFE IRC Way Code of Conduct Building personal Resilience for Humanitrians Minimum standards for Gender Based Violence in Emergencies programming (GBV)