The story of Ali Djan Khan and his friends, Ali’s Angels
Ali Djan Khan fled the Taliban in 2011. When he lost everything in Amsterdam, nine women stepped in as Ali’s Angels, helping with paperwork, work and a roof over his head.
In 2011 Ali Djan Khan (born 1988, Kandahar) left his home behind to escape the Taliban. After several asylum centres he settled in Amsterdam, where he moved in with his partner and worked for a number of companies. Then things went wrong: Ali developed a slipped disc, spent months in hospital and divorced his wife. His temporary tenancy ran out as well. The Homies Foundation stepped in. Wanted: a group of friends willing to stand by Ali. Offering moral and practical support, helping him look for work and a home, going with him to official appointments and filling in forms in the maze of bureaucracy.
And that is how we, nine women from all walks of life, got to know this sociable, friendly, cheerful and helpful man. Ali loves reading, cycling, football, running, cooking, yoga and the gym, and he is eager to learn and curious, about new cultures and cuisines among other things. Our get-togethers mixed good company with practical matters, such as applying for disability benefit and for rent, energy and healthcare allowances. Together we searched for a home, and the hunt for a job began too.
Ali could (and still can) always turn to the group chat, called Ali’s Angels. Now and then it brings a success story: for a good while he found a place to stay. He also led the Bike for Homies peloton more than once on a six-day ride to Paris. ‘Our’ Ali even made the papers!