Photo above of Belfast City Hall.

Over 40 years of conflict and instability in Afghanistan have left millions of people there on the brink of starvation. The rights of women and girls are under threat and many children are not in school. Most refugees from Afghanistan fled to neighbouring countries such as Iran, which hosts at least 4.5 million Afghan refugees. However, these host countries cannot offer permanent homes to all displaced people. Community Sponsorship offers a way for members of the public to welcome refugee families into our communities in the UK.

Zahra was born as a refugee in Iran, after her family left Afghanistan years ago. In 2023, Zahra and her four children were welcomed into Belfast through Community Sponsorship.

“It was a great feeling when I was given the offer of coming to the UK through Community Sponsorship, and I was really happy because the UK was the first country to accept my resettlement case. It was unbelievable but it was also difficult because I was leaving my support network and family behind, and I did not know what to expect. But I knew it was the best thing for my children and their future.

I was in contact with Helen from the Community Sponsorship group over WhatsApp – it was nice that I could speak with her and know someone by their name before we travelled to join them in Belfast.

Because I am a single mum, life in Iran was difficult at times as I worked but also needed to care for the children. I did not get any support from the government, even though me and the children were born in Iran. While I was working, my mum and sister would help me with the children, and they would often bring them to see me at work when I had to work evenings. They were a great support and I really miss them. My sister was single, so she was basically living with us, and the children loved her a lot. I was worried about what I would do without my family’s support. The group have been great though, and Helen has been so helpful.

On arrival day in Belfast, it was great to see Helen at the airport. I was really tired after travelling and looking after the four children whilst travelling. I was also struggling having left my family as they were my support, especially with being a single mum. The children were very excited though, looking around at the new environment and all the new things.

The children have made lots of friends in Belfast and they love school. They are really enjoying their new lives here. They are very social and outgoing, and their English is really improving too!

The Community Sponsorship group have helped me each step of the journey. They are always beside me, and I can reach out when I need them. From setting up banking for me, making sure we have a lovely place to live, and every small thing in between. I am so happy with their support.

I was nervous when I was offered a place through Community Sponsorship as the person who called me explained that it would be in Northern Ireland. I had never heard of Northern Ireland before, I did not know where it was on a map. I was apprehensive, not knowing about the area, but since I have moved here, I have been really impressed by how kind and welcoming the community have been. I love it here, and we live close to the sea which makes me and the children happy.

We love exploring in nature and we have been part of some festivals in Northern Ireland. Our favourite thing to do is go to the beach as I like to walk, and the children love to play. I find being by the sea really good for my mental health, it gives me space to think. I go to college three days a week to learn English. I have made friends at college, which is really nice for me. I also signed up for the gym and I go to yoga classes. I try to keep busy, and Helen, from the group, has really supported me with this. I do struggle being so far from my family, so doing things that keep me busy and are good for my mental health is important.

The children loved experiencing Christmas, we all did. This was our first experience of Christmas as we did not celebrate it in Iran. Watching all the movies with the children was good. Just seeing all the diverse cultures and how people celebrate the season was interesting.

The children are doing really well with their English; they are doing much better than me! They learn so fast and are surrounded by language every minute of the day at school. Sometimes one of my sons explains things to me when I seem confused, or I don’t understand what people are saying to me. I learn most of my everyday vocabulary from the children.

Coming through Community Sponsorship is safe. Having this pathway and being supported by the group has been special. The group have helped me in more ways than I can say. They have welcomed me and made me and my children feel safe.

I just want to really thank the group, for everything they have done for me and my children.

My children have dreams now, one of them wants to be a pilot! And I feel like they can achieve things in this country, which they would not have had a chance to before.

Even though I had to leave my family behind in Iran, the group have become like family to me. All of the things that they have done for us, they are lovely people. I really appreciate everything they have done for us.

Interested in welcoming a refugee family like Zahra’s to your community?

Find out more about Community Sponsorship here.