As the world comes together to celebrate World Refugee Day, I find myself reflecting on my own journey as a refugee in India. My name is Atina Hashimi, a 21-year-old Afghan woman residing in the bustling city of New Delhi, India. Today, I want to share my story, shedding light on the emotions, challenges, and triumphs that come with being a refugee.

A New Beginning in India

I remember the day vividly, 18th May 2016, when my family and I arrived in India, leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of our homeland.  We left everything we knew, embarking on a journey into the unknown. India welcomed us with open arms, a land rich in culture, history, and warmth. But beneath the surface of excitement lay a sea of uncertainties, especially for a 13-year-old girl like me. At the time questions swirled in my mind like a whirlwind. How will I adapt to this new place? How will I communicate with people when I could not understand or speak a single word of English or Hindi? And most importantly, will I ever be safe here? The answers eluded me, leaving me feeling lost and alone, despite the presence of my family by my side.

The days that followed were filled with apprehension as we registered with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and were waiting for the results of our refugee status application. The uncertainty of our future weighed heavily on us especially me, but amidst the darkness, there was always a glimmer of hope for safety. Within about twelve months, we received our refugee cards. We had been officially recognized as refugees by the UNHCR. We knew the road ahead was still uncertain, but there was a newfound sense of relief in knowing that we had a semblance of stability.

Growing and Giving Back

There were, however, obstacles that remained. I longed to continue my education, but the doors of government schools remained closed to me as a refugee. It was a heartbreaking setback, but fate had other plans in store for me.

DON BOSCO, a partner of UNHCR, provided educational classes for refugees, including English language Classes, Computer Classes and opportunities to pursue alternative education through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). With determination in my heart, I immersed myself in learning, honing my language skills and paving the way for a brighter future. I enrolled in English classes and eventually gained admission to NIOS to complete my high school education. At just 17 years old, I was offered a job as a youth leader at DON BOSCO, a role that filled me with a sense of gratitude and purpose.

As a youth leader, I had the privilege of empowering my fellow refugees, conducting educational sessions and fostering a sense of community and belonging. It was during this time that I discovered working at DON BOSCO not only allowed me to make a difference in the lives of others but also helped me grow personally and professionally, I found companionship in the friendships I formed there, and I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and community support.

One of the most rewarding experiences was teaching Dari language classes to uneducated Afghan elders. In their eager faces, I saw resilience and hope, reminding me that even in the darkest of times, education has the power to illuminate our path forward.

The Struggle, Challenges & Hope

The journey has not been without its challenges, especially during the the COVID-19 pandemic. I stopped working at BOSCO and I was worried about the dire situation and problems which we all faced, but through it all, I have strived to be undeterred, drawing strength from the bonds of solidarity within our community and the unwavering spirit of hope that defines the refugee experience.

Living as a refugee is not without its setbacks. The lack of higher education opportunities and financial constraints made it impossible for me to pursue further studies. Desperately needing a job to support my family, I applied everywhere but was often turned away for not having an Aadhar Card or a bank account. After much effort, I managed to open a bank account and secured a position at a social media content agency, as an assistant manager and content writer. During this time, I also pursued my passion for music by taking guitar lessons for six months. Honestly, music became a source of solace and joy when I was facing challenges.

A year later, I found a new opportunity to work as an interpreter and community volunteer, with the Migration and Asylum Project (MAP), also known as Ara Trust. I really enjoy working with MAP. Do you want to know why? Because at the end of the day when I think about it, I’m satisfied and happy to serve and work for the refugee community and help them as much as I can. I have been able to build a good future because I was able to access the few opportunities available to us. It is humbling to be able to help the community access such opportunities and to be able to give back. Additionally working with experienced lawyers, I’ve learned a great deal and found a supportive, friendly environment where I feel valued, not as a refugee, but as a colleague and equal.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that being a refugee is not just about displacement and hardship; it is also about courage and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. My story is just one among millions…

Being a refugee comes with constant struggles and emotional challenges. There are days when past traumas overshadow moments of happiness. Yet, despite the hardships, there is always hope for a brighter future.  I want to tell everyone reading this on World Refugee Day that "No one leaves home until home is not home anymore."  And if you are a refugee like me, remember to keep smiling and don’t be overwhelmed or stressed by the challenges that you face because each challenge is going to be a good lesson for you and make you stronger. Our journey is hard, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. One day, we will find a place to call home again.

Happy World Refugee Day!