From Despair to Hope
The Inspiring Journey of Jawed Alizai. Born and raised in Afghanistan, Jawed Alizai calls himself a "lucky boy" who had the rare privilege of education in a country fraught with challenges.
Following the arrival of the Western alliance support for Afghanistan in 2001, “my country underwent profound changes”, opening opportunities for young people like Jawed. These changes became the foundation of what Jawed calls the “golden age” of his life.
The Golden Age
During the times after 2001, Jawed learned English and found a meaningful role working with the British Mission in Afghanistan. For Jawed, this was not just a job—it was his lifeline. He took immense pride in supporting his family, becoming the primary income earner, receiving a good salary, and experiencing the joy of simple pleasures like playing football and snooker with friends.
But life took a devastating turn after the collapse of the Afghan Republic. With his country’s fall came an unbearable sense of uncertainty and fear. Jawed recalls those days with agony, saying, “I believed everything was over. Not only was my family’s economic future in ruins, but our very lives were in danger.”
Relocation
When hope seemed lost, the UK government’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme, aiming to relocate and assist Afghan nationals who worked with or for the UK government in Afghanistan, became a beacon of light. In August 2021, Jawed and his family were relocated to the UK. Leaving his homeland behind was one of the most heart-wrenching decisions of his life. The thought of starting over in an unfamiliar place filled him with sleepless nights of anxiety.
However, Jawed’s arrival in Walsall marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with warmth and support. He describes the moment he was welcomed by the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) as a profound relief. “The warmth and care from RMC made me feel at home,” he says with a smile.
Rebuilding
RMC not only guided Jawed and his family through the complexities of a new life but also ensured their journey of resettlement was smooth and comforting. From finding school places for his children to helping him navigate a society vastly different from his own- educating them on complex government and public systems such as the NHS, HMRC and DWP. RMC was a pillar of strength for Jawed.
Jawed’s first first interacted with RMC was as soon as he and his family arrived in the UK, being the main contracted provider of ARAP support by Walsall council. RMC assisted Jawed and his family with a local orientation, where they were shown local shops, parks, places of worship, the library and how to use the buses. Staff went on to support the family to register with essential health services- GP, dentist and options. The family’s caseworker supported them to apply for National Insurance Numbers, then eligible benefits to ensure they could meet their daily living needs. RMC continued to support the family in all aspects of their integration including supporting them to book family outings, attending school coffee mornings, assisting them with their bills, and finding sustainable housing. RMC’s qualified immigration advisors supported the family to apply for indefinite leave to remain, ensuring their legal stay in the UK. RMC provided this support through face to face appointments, outreach and a variety of other contact methods.
“Thanks to RMC, I could adapt to the rules and culture of the UK much faster than I ever imagined,” Jawed reflects. He is especially grateful to the local authorities for providing his family with the opportunities they needed to start afresh.
Looking back at the journey
Today, Jawed looks back on his journey with immense gratitude. In just three years, he has not only improved his English but also secured a job as an administrator at the ELC in Walsall. His story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community.
Jawed’s eyes light up when he speaks of his new life: “I am forever thankful to RMC, the UK government, and the local authority for giving my family and me the chance to rebuild our lives. They didn’t just give us support; they gave us hope and a future.”
Though the memories of his homeland remain etched in his heart, Jawed now carries a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. His journey, marked by courage and determination, is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can lead to a brighter tomorrow.
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