Personal Story of Migration from Afghanistan

Early Life in Afghanistan

• Grew up in Afghanistan
• Lived with family; close family ties
• Childhood memories of mountains, dust, and simple living conditions (tents instead of houses)
• Experienced the onset of war and conflict
  • Bombing in good areas
  • Emotional impact of war; sadness when looking out the window

Migration to Europe

• Family decision to move to a safer place in Europe
• Separation at the airport
  • Grandmother and speaker allowed to leave
  • Rest of the family denied boarding due to lack of passports
  • Misunderstanding about family being on another plane

Life in England

• Initial challenges
  • Language barrier; only knew the word "yes"
  • Feelings of embarrassment and isolation in school

Coping and Adapting

• Made new friends
  • Started playing football
  • Gained recognition for drawing skills
  • Shared daily drawings with peers
    • Subjects included family, Spiderman, football

Emotional Impact

• Nightmares and longing for family
  • Nightmares of mother picking them up from school
  • Constant crying and dreaming about family
  • Physical feelings of hunger and sadness

Reconnection with Family

• Four and a half years until receiving a phone call
  • Cousin reported sighting of father in a mosque
  • Received a phone call from father
• Renewal of hope and happiness
  • Wish for parents to come to England
  • Ongoing anticipation and emotional struggle waiting for family reunion