Read about how Zahra and her four children were welcomed to Belfast.
Zahra, who is from Afghanistan, moved to Belfast from Iran in the summer of 2023. Zahra is a single parent and has four children who are all settling in very well to Belfast. Zahra sat down with Grace, from Reset, to discuss her journey. Please join us as Zahra shares how her and her family have found the experience of being welcomed through Community Sponsorship.
How did you feel when you were given the offer of coming to the UK through Community Sponsorship?
Zahra: It was a great feeling, 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.
Grace: Did you have any contact with anyone from the group before you came to the UK?
Zahra: I was in contact with Helen from the group over WhatsApp. I know many people have not had this opportunity to speak to the people welcoming them, but for me it was nice that I could speak with her and know someone by their name before we travelled to join them in Belfast.
What was life like in Iran?
Zahra: Because I am a single mum, it 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.
Grace: It sounds like they were a great support to you.
Zahra: 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.
How was the arrival day?
Zahra: 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.
How are the children settling into life in Belfast?
Zahra: The children have made lots of friends in the local area 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!
How have the Community Sponsorship group supported you?
Zahra: They 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.
What do you like about Belfast?
Zahra: 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.
Grace: What do you like to do in the area?
Zahra: 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.
How have you gotten involved in the local community?
Zahra: 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.
Grace: You mention you have made friends through English classes, are they from a similar background to you?
Zahra: We are all from different backgrounds and countries. I am the only person who speaks Farsi. It can be difficult for us to communicate as the only common language is English, but we are learning, and this is also quite exciting and motivating for us all! I really enjoy my classes; Miss Sharon is a great teacher.
How was your first Christmas period in the UK?
Zahra: The children loved it, we all did. This is 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.
How are the children progressing with their English?
Zahra: 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.
Why do you think Community Sponsorship is important?
Zahra: 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.
Is there anything you would like to say to the Community Sponsorship group?
Zahra: I just want to really thank them, 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.
Thank you very much to Zahra for sharing her experience with us!