A Bridge to Belonging: How “New Beginning” Supports Afghan Refugees in Vienna

Nestled on the outskirts of Vienna, the “New Beginning” Association (Sport Kulturverein – Neuer Start) offers a haven for Afghan men and young people. This vibrant community center provides more than just a space for recreation; it serves as a lifeline for refugees navigating the challenges of life in a new country.

In a spacious men’s room, visitors can listen to music, play billiards, and enjoy complimentary coffee or tea but beyond recreation, the New Beginning serves as a crucial resource hub, offering information on how to navigate interactions with authorities and tackle daily challenges related to the labor market and education.

Shokat Walizadeh, the founder of the New Beginning Association, arrived in Vienna in 2008. After initially working as a dental technician, he felt a disconnection, feeling that he was only contributing to the well-being of the wealthy. This realization inspired him to transition into social work, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Afghan refugees.

“Back then, there were no associations to help us integrate. It was our shared experiences that motivated me and my colleagues to establish the New Beginning,” Walizadeh recalls. The association quickly became a lifeline for Afghan newcomers, offering the support system that Walizadeh himself had lacked upon arrival.

Born and raised in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Walizadeh and his family were forced to leave their homeland and start anew in Austria, which has since become their home. Those early days were filled with challenges, including limited contacts, no role models, and little guidance for integration. These struggles drove him to create the first Afghan organization in Austria with open online registration.

Dedicated to supporting refugees and diaspora groups, the New Beginning provides resources, fosters community, and celebrates the remarkable progress Afghans have made in Austria. Despite rising anti-migration sentiments. Walizadeh is proud to see Afghans thriving in various aspects of Austrian society.

Through events like From Kabul to Vienna, which has been held for 11 years, the New Beginning showcases Afghan success stories and organizes cultural and sports events to challenge stereotypes. The festival serves as a unifying platform, allowing Afghan refugees from across Austria to gather, share experiences, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

“We have come a long way,” says Walizadeh. “Afghans are now integrated into every aspect of life in Austria. It fills me with pride to see their progress compared to 2010.”

However, Walizadeh also addresses pressing challenges, such as families in Afghanistan pressuring migrants for financial support, which sometimes drives them toward criminal activities. His message to Afghan families is clear: “Allow your loved ones to focus on education and vocational training. This investment will secure long-term stability and benefit everyone.”

The Barabari Project: Supporting Men and Young Boys

Launched in October 2023, the Barabari Project is New Beginning’s latest initiative aimed at supporting Afghan men and young boys in their journey toward integration. Running until September 2025, Barabari—meaning “equality”—focuses on building community, providing resources, and addressing cultural gaps.

The project offers a range of services, including counselling, CV-writing workshops, translation assistance, and expert-led seminars on relationships within the refugees’ new host communities. Walizadeh emphasizes the importance of addressing cultural differences in love and relationships, which can be unfamiliar to refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, or Pakistan.

“This project also helps fathers connect with their children and encourages men to prioritize their well-being,” Walizadeh explains. “Through activities like billiards, chess, music, and open discussions, we create an environment where they can relax and learn.”

Despite its successes, New Beginning faces challenges in fostering collaboration with other Afghan diaspora organizations. While some organizations have supported initiatives like educational celebrations, others have resisted cooperation due to ethnic or linguistic divides.

“We remain open to collaboration because unity is vital for effectively supporting our diaspora,” Walizadeh states.

At its core, New Beginning is a platform “by refugees, for refugees.” Walizadeh invites Afghan community members to join the association, share their ideas, and utilize its facilities.

“Our journey shows the power of collective effort,” Walizadeh reflects. “Together, we can build a brighter future for Afghan refugees in Austria.”

Through projects like Barabari and festivals like From Kabul to Vienna, New Beginning not only supports integration but also strengthens the fabric of Afghan diaspora communities in Austria. In doing so, it bridges the gap between cultural heritage and a hopeful new beginning in a land where they must start from scratch.