Being a refugee in Chichester: “A journey of challenges and hope”

In the summer of 2021, a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan by the US military allowed the Taliban to take power once again.

Despite promising to form an ‘open, inclusive Islamic government’ which would see women’s rights protected and no reprisals for those who had worked with westerners, the Taliban embarked on a relentless campaign of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

It was against this backdrop that teacher Aisha, fled to the UK with her children. She told the Chichester Observer: “Teaching was not just my job, but my passion. Alongside classroom work with 45 children, I completed a degree in English Language and Literature, which had always been my dream field of study.

When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan five years ago, my family’s life changed completely.”

Women who were teaching girls in Afghanistan have faced some of the harshest and most targeted restrictions under Taliban rule. Those who taught older girls have faced intimidation, threats and jail.

Aisha was a target for the regime and was forced to flee her homeland “for our safety and to build a better future for our children.

“I lost my home, my job and the life I knew. I still miss Afghanistan and the people I love. After the Taliban returned, women and girls were not able to study, live or work independently. Continuing to see those opportunities disappear for Afghan girls has been heart-breaking.”

The Taliban’s restrictive policies on female education have pushed women into poverty, made them more dependent on men and taken a profound toll on their mental health.

Aisha said, “Being a refugee in Chichester has been a journey of both challenges and hope. Leaving my home, my career and my family behind was one of the hardest experiences of my life.

“Starting again in a new country with a different culture was not easy. However, I have met many kind and supportive people from Sanctuary in Chichester who have helped me and my family feel welcome.

“My children have had the opportunity to go to school and build a new future, and I have been able to improve my English and become part of the local community.”

Aisha is one of 65 million refugees from around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. Over half of all refugees are children, and 86% of them are sheltered by developing countries.

Only a few hundred refugees make it to Chichester, via three schemes. Homes for Ukraine, the Afghan resettlement programmes, and asylum seekers receiving Home Office support.

Sanctuary in Chichester, a charity set up to support and welcome incoming families, said: “When people arrive, they have nothing and their surroundings are completely alien.

“They often don’t speak English and don’t have a clue how to navigate their environment or UK systems. They may not have any knowledge of UK customs or way of life. This is all very frightening, and their surviving friends and family are a long way away.

“Still, it is better than danger, death, imprisonment and torture. It is also better than years stuck in a refugee camp with no future or hope for their children.”

This week, the UN is marking Refugee Week, which this year celebrates the courage, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

For Aisha, building a new life has taken time: “I try to take one day at a time. I am meeting new people and spending time with my children. They give me strength every day.

“Looking after myself emotionally is not always easy, but I stay in touch with my family and friends, and I pray and try to focus on the positive things in my life.

“The kindness and support I have received in Chichester have helped me to feel welcome and given me more confidence.

“I believe that even after a difficult journey, it is possible to start again and build a better future for my family.

“I also hope that one day every woman and girl in Afghanistan will have a chance to study, work and build her own future.”