Almir Karahodza left Stolac as a child and went to Sweden with his family. In his confession, he talked about how, after completing two faculties, he became a successful businessman who manages a large chain of dental offices in Sweden.
However, he has not forgotten his roots and where he comes from, and dedicates his free time to the younger generations, whom he teaches Bosnian folk dances and costumes, as well as culture and traditions from these areas.
At the beginning, Karahodza spoke about his journey from war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to Sweden.
“In 1994 we came to Sweden. It all started so you had to fight. First it was fought in the war, to stay alive, to survive. We had no food, nothing. Father was in prison. Then we got a second chance to live in another country, and that’s where the fight started. You can’t see yourself as a victim and a settler, but how to succeed in a new country and environment,” Karahodza recalled.
Now he is the director of dental clinics throughout Sweden.
“We have over 240 employees and I am the regional head and director of the company,” he said.
Also, Karahodza emphasized what is the biggest success for him since he arrived in Sweden from the war-torn Stolac.
“My biggest success is that I haven’t forgotten who and what I am, and that’s thanks to my parents. It is pride to survive the war and move on. Not to see myself as a loser even though my best years were taken away like many of my peers. I wanted to show as much as possible in the new country,” Karahodza pointed out.
Karahodza devotes his free time to children and how children born in Sweden do not forget the culture and traditions of BiH.
“I formed my Cultural-Artistic Association (KUD) Zlatni Behar in 2010. Since then, we have been champions of Sweden eight times. All these children who are playing were born in Sweden and when they put on their national costume, you can see Bosnia in them,” Karahodza proudly pointed out.
Karahodza added that Swedes are also delighted when they see children in Bosnian national costumes. He says he would like to spend some time in Sweden, and some in BiH.
“Does one have to retire at the age of 68, 69. Why not retire at the age of 55?” he said, N1 reports.
