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Awin Ibrahim
Awin arrived in Norway from Kurdistan in Northern Iraq six years ago. With a bachelor’s degree in engineering and electrical engineering from her native country, Awin was soon ready for professional challenges in Norway. Awin has always enjoyed working, and she also worked alongside her studies in Kurdistan. At Småkraft, she collects data and monitors power production.
“This job suits me perfectly! The working hours are good, and I enjoy the work tasks. I also have very friendly colleagues that have given me a lot of help. The learning curve has been steep since I started here six months ago! Although I’ve learned a lot of Norwegian, the language can sometimes be challenging, but my colleagues always have time for me, and they explain things to help me understand,” says Awin.
Kurdistan is a mountainous area with four seasons that are similar to what we are accustomed to in Norway. The area has two large power plants, and Awin visited both as a student. She has also visited some of Småkraft’s power plants and says that there are huge differences between the power plants here and there. “Kurdistan has large power plants, and there is not as much focus on safety and security as in Norway.” She explains quietly that one of the power plants in Kurdistan hung pictures on the wall of everyone who had lost their lives at the plant.
“This was in strong contrast to my visits to Småkraft’s power plants in Norway. They were small, brand new and cosy, and with a strong focus on HSE. In Norway we take out power from smaller rivers, and the number of power plants is much higher. Småkraft alone has more than 100 power plants!
Awin arrived at Småkraft through the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation (NAV) six months ago. Her work tasks have gradually become more complex and she enjoys her job. Tina, her colleague, describes the job that Awin does for Småkraft as essential. “We are entirely dependent on the job that Awin does. If Awin hadn’t done her job, we would have lost money. It’s as simple as that. Awin smiles when asked about her dreams for the future: “I want to improve my language skills, so that I can have more responsibility and contribute even more to my workplace.”
