“Harry from Afghanistan"

Living in Afghanistan, Harry had reached a phase in life was where everything was starting to fall into shape: He had done his masters in Japan; was teaching at a university; and working as an architect. Yet, as with so many others, his life was turned upside down by the Taliban takeover in 2021 - this was especially upsetting since it came following a positive period when ‘everyone was starting to rebuild the country’. He vividly remembers the precarious situation in Afghanistan before he left, noting that - at its worst - there were ‘at least two car bombs every week’.

 

He is immensely grateful for the fact that he was able to safely reach the UK (in a comparatively easier manner compared to what other have to go through) in February 2022. Two of the main differences he has noted between the UK and his homeland are the variations in weather, as well as the differences in communication and culture between the East and the West, with people here being less direct and upfront in communication. Although he has had limited interaction with SRS, he is very grateful for the help that they have given to his parents, with his mum and dad attending the English and tailoring classes there.

 

Currently, he works for an architectural studio, travelling into London two days a week. Owing to the fact that they are looking to expand into the Middle East, his experiences and knowledge are immensely useful to the firm, particularly the fact that he studied in Japan. His main aim for the future is simply deciding what his goals should be - he noted that it is very tough since he ‘has so many goals that are on hold from his previous life in Afghanistan’.