In Pakistan, we lived in Hazara town, a town made up of almost 300,000 Hazaras who have had to leave Afghanistan due to their long history of being persecuted. My family arrived there when I was 5.
Unfortunately, many people in Pakistan also don’t like Hazaras. We lived near a river where if you got too close to it, you could get shot by the Pashtuns on the other side. As a kid, we played cricket near the banks of that river. It was a bit risky, but we didn’t even think about it – we just took our chances.
When I was 10, my uncle sponsored our family to join him in Australia. Coming here really felt like we were arriving on an alien planet. It was nothing like I had imagined. Different people, different language, different systems, the buildings, the roads, the cars, the whole atmosphere. I was used to dirt roads and dirt houses, and donkeys and rickshaws, and seeing the sewage going straight into the street!
Another thing that was very strange to me was multiculturalism. The idea of tolerating each other’s beliefs and cultures and existing together peacefully really seemed like something you couldn’t achieve in this world – it seemed utopian to me.
The first 6 months were really hard for me because I went straight into grade 4 without taking any special English lessons, so I didn’t really understand anything. A few kids did help me out, but there were also bullies who used to tease me for not being able to speak English. Still, it didn’t bother me compared to Pakistan, where I used to get beat up a lot, because all the ages were mixed up in one class and I was usually the youngest. When I was in year 2, most of my classmates were grown men with beards!
Unfortunately, it’s been difficult for my parents because they lived through the entire war period. They’ve struggled with learning English and that has affected their ability to work. My dad got a job in Queensland for a while, but then 3 years ago my mum had a serious back injury, and so he had to come back to Melbourne to take care of everything. They get a pension but it’s not really enough, so my elder siblings and I started working part time to provide most of the basics, like groceries. When I was in year 9, I was working around 40 hours a week on top of my studies – I didn’t get much sleep, but I got used to it. Now I’m in year 11, I’ve cut back to 20 hours a week.
As a child, I never thought much about my future. But in Australia, I’ve had access to information and resources, and have learned about the wrongs being committed in the world, which has inspired me to do something that will help people, hopefully on a large political scale.
For now, though, my main objective is to help out my parents – they’ve been through a lot, they’ve experienced oppression at a very extreme level all of their lives, and now we’re here, they deserve to live the rest of their lives comfortably.
Shadab
Afghanistan
Arrived 2009
In response to numerous requests for a way to help Shadab financially, I have just set up a basic crowdfunding page – so if you would like to contribute – head over to: https://www.youcaring.com/shadab-safa-537375
#refugees #migrants #Australia #Australianstories #Afghanistan #Pakistan
Beautiful soul. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future.
What an incredible story! In a relatively short amount of time you have acquired a great command of English now as well. All the best to you especially and your family.
Good Iuck Shadab, I hope you and your parents find inner peace soon????
Shadab – I know many native English speakers who would not know the meaning of Utopia, let alone drop it into a conversation.
Your intelligence and your work ethic will take you far here.
Welcome home mate! ????
You are an admirable addition to our country young man, study hard and make us all proud, especially your parents.
Shadab welcome to Aystralia and thank you for sharing your story. What an amazing youg man you are and your parents must be very proud. I wish you all the best for your future with your work ethic you will go far.
Not much of a childhood for you Shadab but what a beautiful young man you are. Welcome to Australia ????
Welcome Shadab!!! We are lucky to have you here with us. I am glad you and your family are safe, and able to move forward in peace. 🙂
The Hazaras are beautiful, gentle people. You are a credit to them and to all Australians. ????
All power to you Shadab and to your family.
I am so glad you have made your home here with us in Australia.
Onwards and Upwards!
Hi, Friend i also lived in hazara Town but know i am in italy and Next mounth i Will come in australia.
Thank you for sharing your story, with that determination and attitude you will achieve great things.
Good luck and aren’t we lucky to have such a wonderful hardworking, family oriented family here! I hope your future is everything you hope it could be.
Thank you for choosing Australia and for working to make a comfortable life for your parents. I hope you never need to experience persecution, in any form, again.
How can we donate to this young man? If we all put in $5 maybe he a and siblings wouldn’t have to work so much, they could concentrate on their studies. Is there a way?
How blessed we are to have you and your family in Australia, Shadab. All of you deserve peace and tranquility and support to care for your parents. You’re a fine example of rising above adversity and we could learn from you.
I feel like so many children (including my own) would learn so much from this story – most don’t realise how lucky they were to be born in Australia – good luck Shadab and welcome to you and your family.
In response to numerous requests for a way to help Shadab financially, I have just set up a basic crowdfunding page – so if you would like to contribute – head over to: https://www.youcaring.com/shadab-safa-537375
All the very best in the future Shadab. You amd you family deserve every happiness
I have no doubt your parents are extremely proud of you young man. Keep studying hard.????
There are always two sides of every story.. Good thing you are here now.. May Allah bless you brother…
I feel sorry that our government of pakistan is doing nothing for the protection of your hazara community. I am feeling very bad as a Pakistani that we are annihilating ourselves. May you live there happily brother.
Welcome to you and your family Shadab. We love our cultural diversity and I’m sure your presence in our community will be very positive. I hope you and your parents come through these really hard times and are able to find some peace here
Shadab, you are amazing. Your parents must be very proud of you. I wish you and your family all the very best. I have a feeling your life will become better and easier over time.
Shak!! I am absolutely so proud of you to see how far you have come! You are an absolute honour of your family’s name and it means a fortune to watch you blossom! I will always pray for the well-being of your beautiful family. You truly deserve everything and I can never ask for anything more! God Bless!
Shadab, you and your brother have always had such a strong work ethic and understood the importance of family. I am proud to know both of you, and even prouder that I have had the chance to be a part of your education. Keep up the amazing work, and good things will come your way. Inspirational, buddy!! ????