Elias Hatimi

Published 2 December 2024

“After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Afghanistan’s media landscape underwent a transformation, with new TV stations and diverse programming emerging. As a teenager, I was captivated by international news and inspired by young foreign anchors, often mimicking their delivery. My uncle, a photographer, further sparked my passion for journalism with his experiences and stories.

At university, I excelled in writing and specialised in print journalism, joining the Press Department at Kabul University. My career began with blogging for Bitlanders, followed by roles with various organisations. I became the founder and editor of the Afghan Women’s Network Newsletter and promoted citizen journalism through platforms like Prime News Page.

My career further advanced when I joined the CrossCulture Programme by Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, interning with the European Youth4Media Network in Germany. This experience honed my skills and led to roles in international organisations as a media and communications officer, including with World Vision Afghanistan, until the Taliban’s return in 2022 forced me to start afresh.

Relocating to Germany, I joined Bennohaus through the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative scholarship and later the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom’s “Journalists-in-Exile” programme. With renewed purpose, I launched Hidden Hero, a project highlighting resilient Afghan individuals in Germany, their contributions, and integration stories. It fosters connections within Afghan communities and promotes cross-cultural dialogue, highlighting the enduring power of storytelling.

The Hidden Hero represents hope and reveals the various reasons Afghans left their homes to start a new life – just as I did.”