Yassin Mahi is the coordinator of Viadidakt, a center for adult education, integration and labor issues in Katrineholm. He is originally from Somalia and moved to Sweden 20 years ago but he is not a new face for residents in the Swedish city. He has worked as a local politician, has been a teacher for Somalis about Sweden and the Swedes on Somalia. He also worked as a translator and interpreter and even been working with politicians at the national level in his native Somalia. Since September 2009 Yassin works at Viadidakt. A job that means facilitating the integration of immigrants in Katrineholm, not least the 600 Somalis living in the municipality. His is also to train municipal employees in the library, in schools about Somalia, Somali culture and situation in the country.
Yassin Mahi was nominated for this year's the driving force of Katrineholm. He was nominated for his experience, knowledge and enthusiasm that he uses to teach new and old Katrineholm residents to live with each other. One can get this nomination if you are a role model and a force for local development for the benefit of the city´s residents.
How did it feel to be nominated for this year's driving force of Katrineholm?
--- It felt great! To get as far as to be nominated was enough for me. It was a great honor and I'm very happy.
What is the best thing about your job?
- I think it's fun to meet different people, their approach and hospitality. That you can have discussions and dialogues about things is something I really like.
How was the Gala this year?
There were lot of people that it reminded me the Hollywood gala with the red carpet and media coverage. The journalists who wanted to talk to one. I'm very proud that I got to get there.
What do you think it is important for Swedes to know about Somalia?
- That we Somalis are like any other human beings, we are like you, but still different. We are honest. We are trying to adapt to society and do the best we can.
Is there something you want to improve in Katrineholm?
- Given that the municipality is such a great employer, I would like to see that they hire more immigrants. If they do, then I think they can be a model for other employers such as companies. The private sector is very important for development. If I had the opportunity, I would hire more immigrants directly.
What was it like to work with politicians in Somalia?
- It was an incredible difference with Sweden. There they have a clan system that they follow. It was not democratic and they did not care about the individual. I could not do anything to influence it, because of the clan mentality that´s comes before anything else, concludes Yassin.