ASIFA’S STORY
“There are a lot of reasons why we left our country. The main reason was our future. My father was worried about the future of his daughters. Life is not easy for women and girls in Afghanistan. My father always wanted to educate us and give us a bright future. Therefore, he chose to leave the country and prioritise us, our safety and our future. Women have an uncertain future in Afghanistan, and I never wanted that, so I also wanted better for my life, my future and my safety.
Sanctuary helped me and my family in different ways. They provided us with Foodbank vouchers so we were able to get free food several times when we first arrived, which we really needed at the time. They supported us to find work, to meet other families from our own country and also other countries, they provided us with kitchenware and they provided us with a family English tutor. They also helped us every week at the drop-in and provide other fun and social activities such as sports, visiting museums, and art galleries.
Sanctuary helped me to find a good job to support myself and my family. I work as a carer now, and supporting people in their day-to-day life gives me energy. Now I am able to meet my own financial needs and I can pay my bills, as well as supporting my family.
My first biggest achievement was my first job in the UK. This job makes me proud of myself because now I can support other people. I hope to go on to achieve my dream of being a qualified midwife, having already practiced in this profession in my home country.
Everyone wants to live independently and integrate into the community. We feel happy that now we are also active and supportive part of the community with the help and support of this charity.”
– Asifa, November 2024
MOHAMMED’S STORY
“Sanctuary helped me a lot. They helped me to find my ideal job and they supported me in learning English and provided us with a family tutor.
They also help me to learn English every week at the drop-in, and they helped me access an English course, which helped me improve my spoken English. Sanctuary also provided transport to my wife’s hospital appointment. She would have missed an important appointment if they hadn’t helped us.
Sanctuary helped me to find my perfect job to support myself and my family. I work as a tailor now, which helps me financially and improves my skills, as well as meaning I can afford to meet all my family’s needs. My biggest achievements so far are completing the English course, and getting my tailoring job.”
– Mohammed, November 2024
A lot of the support recieved by Asifa and Mohammed was delivered by volunteers. If you have the time to give, being a volunteer with Sanctuary in Chichester and seeing the progress of those you support is extremely rewarding. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, head over to our Volunteering page and fill out the application form >>>