My name is Mursal I am from Afghanistan. When I was young, life was vibrant and full of promise for my family and me. My mother, a dedicated head teacher, was a beacon of hope in our community, especially for girls who longed for an education. However, as the political landscape shifted, her passion became a target. She faced threats daily, being told to stop teaching or face dire consequences. Yet, her resolve never wavered She continued to educate girls, believing in their right to learn, even as danger loomed over our family.
The darkness deepened when my brother was kidnapped. The days became a nightmare as we waited for news, our hearts heavy with fear. My father received a chilling call from an unknown person demanding a large sum of money for my brother’s safe return. We were desperate, but the amount was far beyond our means. After a year of agonising uncertainty, we received the devastating news that my brother had been found dead, his life taken too soon. The pain of losing him was unbearable, a wound that would never fully heal.
In search of safety, we fled to Kabul, hoping to escape the violence that had engulfed our lives. But even there, we were not safe. Our home was attacked with rockets, and a bomb was planted in my father’s car. Miraculously, he survived, but the threat was constant. Tragedy struck again when my father was killed at a friend’s son’s wedding, a place that should have been filled with joy. After this unimaginable loss, we made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Afghanistan and take refuge in the UK.
Arriving in the UK was like stepping into a new world. I found myself in a school where I spoke no English, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and customs. The struggle was immense; I felt lost and overwhelmed. However, I was determined to rise above my circumstances. With each passing day, I immersed myself in learning the language and adapting to my new life.
I am proud to be studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster. My journey has been marked by heartache and resilience, which has taught me the importance of hope and perseverance. I carry the memories of my family with me, and their strength inspires me to continue fighting for a better future, not just for myself but also for others who face similar struggles.
Education is incredibly important to me because it opens up opportunities for personal growth and helps me understand the world better. Coming from Afghanistan, I hope to study and contribute to the development of my country.
Education empowers individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and positively contribute to society. Unfortunately, many girls in Afghanistan face significant barriers to education due to cultural norms, poverty, and political instability. These factors often result in restrictions on their ability to attend school, limiting their potential and perpetuating cycles of inequality.
Mursal Hakimim