Over twenty years after the Taliban was ousted in Afghanistan, the Islamic fundamentalist group has regained control of the nation, swiftly implementing harsh rule and large-scale restrictions on women. The collapse of the government saw panic across the country, beginning in the city of Kabul, the nation’s capital. As fighting erupted and blockades went up, gunfire and terrorist attacks were increasingly common. In January of 2022, Fazila, a dedicated nurse, found herself in a difficult situation. Having worked tirelessly in a hospital in Kabul during the regime change, she witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of the Taliban’s oppressive regime. Under threat of violence and even death, women and girls are now banned from attending school, holding jobs, and leaving their homes without a male chaperone.
Fazila, who has two younger sisters, was faced with the most difficult decision. To remain in Afghanistan, the only home she’s ever known, or to attempt to flee and seek refuge in the United States. As the situation around her escalated, she chose to embark on what would become a perilous journey, taking her sisters along with her in search of safety and the opportunity for them to receive an education. Their first major challenge was navigating the chaos and danger at the Kabul airport. The things she experienced trying to escape the country only served to confirm that she made the right decision. She and her sisters could not safely remain in Afghanistan.
As each leg of her journey proved challenging and arduous, it was her determination and unwavering spirit that propelled her forward towards the promise of a new life and a new start. After finally arriving in the U.S., the challenges didn’t cease, however. The unfamiliarity of a foreign land, new culture, and many hurdles to integration were ever present. Fazila, being no stranger to hard work, knew that given the resources and direction needed, she could make a fulfilling and happy life for herself. She found, as many newly resettled refugees have, that bridging the gap between survival and prosperity in this country is not always easy.
Determined to put her passion for healthcare into practice, she went in search of resources to help prepare her for the American workforce. In doing so she found the Refugee Dream Center. Her assigned caseworker at the Center took the time to get to know her story and her interests. Using this information, a case plan was created to provide Fazila with a plan tailored to her individual needs. She enrolled in English classes which are administered with cultural attunement and geared specifically to refugees. She credits her caseworker, a fellow Afghan refugee himself, with being available to help with anything she or her sisters may need. Her dream is to become a registered nurse in the United States. Although this process will require time and effort, with the help of her RDC caseworker, her recent acquisition of a driver’s license has provided her with a sense of empowerment and motivation.
The RDC enrolled her sisters in the Youth Program which enables them to connect with peers who share similar experiences, easing their transition, and alleviating any feelings of isolation or loneliness. The program provides them with educational support, mentorship, and the necessary tools to thrive at school and in their new environment.
“The RDC helped me first. They always help us no matter what problem we have.” she says. “We are grateful to the RDC because my sisters now also have English classes.”
Through her experiences, Fazila has become acutely aware of the severity of the situation in Afghanistan. She believes it is essential for everyone, but especially Americans, to grasp the gravity of the challenges faced by Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule. Fazila recognizes that women are the lifeblood of any society and enabling them to work and support their families is vital for progress and stability. The RDC was created with these principles in mind and is proud to continue its work to empower women like Fazila and her sisters. Regardless of where we come from or where we’re going, the Refugee Dream Center, which is founded and run by refugees, recognizes that a rising tide lifts all ships