JK: Reflections on my three years in the UK and why I am now volunteering with HWR

We were so pleased that JK agreed to speak to us at the AGM, in an interview with John Borton.  Here is their conversation:

John B:  "What were you doing in Afghanistan before the Taliban takeover in August 2021?"

JK:  "Before the Taliban takeover, I was working in Afghanistan in the education and development sector. I was assistant professor at various universities in Kabul, Afghanistan, where we were running various projects, for instance, empowering women through education, digital literacy and information technology. These projects were run by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and were funded by the USAID. I was also involved in local as well as national politics for a number of years to serve my local community as well as the people in Afghanistan."

John B: "How did you come to the UK? I understand it was on a student visa?"

JK: "Yes, indeed, I came to UK on a student visa to pursue a master's degree. I was fortunate to be accepted into University of Hertfordshire master's programme in software engineering. That was aligned with my career goals and aspirations. Luckily, I completed my studies in software engineering in 2024."

John B: "How was that period for you personally?"

JK: "It was an incredibly difficult, emotional and challenging time for me. Although I was feeling grateful to be in a safe country, but I was deeply worried about my family and friends back home. I was disheartened and heartbroken by the situation in Afghanistan, particularly the ban on women's work and girls' education. I left Afghanistan exactly on the same day, which was 15th of August 2021, when Taliban was about to take over the Kabul International Airport and the whole country. And we were on the last official flight from Kabul to Islamabad. Our flight was initially delayed for a few hours and we never know what's to happen with us. But luckily, we landed safely in Islamabad, where I had to stay for a few weeks in order to get my UK visa. And I didn't have any contact with my family for over six or a few weeks initially. And when I arrived in the UK, I was shocked and surprised to see I didn't have access to my money, the savings, the savings that I had for my tuition and for my university, because all my accounts, alongside other Afghans' accounts, were frozen by the Taliban government. And it was extremely difficult for me to pay for my rent, pay for my accommodation, food, other expenses, because my accounts were frozen. Soon the top of all these worries, the university was continuously sending emails and messages to pay my tuition fee. I went into depression and anxiety because I didn't have the solution for all these problems. And I thought I was travelling in a dark tunnel where I couldn't see the ray of hope or ray of light. But I was fortunate that the university offered me a tuition fee waiver scholarship and accommodation. This way, I continued my university degree."

John B: "Where have you worked since your Masters degree?"

JK: "I was fortunate because I got paid employment during my placement here while I was studying at University of Hertfordshire. And I was working as a web developer in one of the companies, in software companies in London. I'm really thankful to Herts Welcomes Refugees for providing me this opportunity. Especially, I'm thankful to Irene, John and Andy and the rest of the staff who are working with Herts Welcomes Refugees.  Since completing my master's degree, I have taken on some of the roles on voluntary basis with Herts Welcomes Refugees as an IT admin.
And I have recently been promoted to an advisory group in Herts Welcomes Refugees. I'm also working as an MIS management information system and exams coordinator in one of the colleges in Hertfordshire."

John B: "How has the experience been of trying to find jobs suited to your qualifications?"

JK: "It has been challenging. While I have the academic background and work experience, it's really difficult to translate the international work experience into the UK job market. There are also some barriers like recognition of the qualification, limited networking, and sometimes I'd say uncertainty around the immigration status can make it really hard to find the right opportunity."

John B: "Refugees face many challenges when arriving in the UK. What do you see as the key challenges?"

JK: "This question is really interesting. One of the biggest challenges is integration, not just in terms of learning a language or navigating the system, but finding a sense of belonging.
Additionally, there are some other hurdles, for instance, accessing to housing, education, employment and mental health support.
Many refugees are highly qualified and they are really motivated, but they face systematic barriers and these can sometimes make it really difficult for them to rebuild their lives and contribute fully.
It has been challenging. While I have the academic background and work experience, however, it's really difficult to translate the international work experience into the UK job market."

John B: "You are now volunteering for Herts Welcomes Refugees helping with IT issues and as a member of the Advisory Group. What has your engagement with the charity been since you arrived in Hertfordshire and why do you want to support the charity now?"

JK: "Since arriving in Hertfordshire, Herts Welcomes Refugee has played a crucial and significant role in helping me feel welcomed and supported.  Volunteering with them has been incredibly rewarding. I've helped with IT support and recently I am now serving on the advisory group. For me, it's really important to give back to a community that embraced me during my difficult time and I want to help other refugees navigating their own journeys with dignity and hope."

Thank you so much JK, we are very grateful for all that you are doing for Herts Welcomes Refugees as you make your new life here.