From isolation to empowerment – Mariam’s journey with Hopscotch Women’s Centre 

How education and community support transformed a young Afghan refugee’s life in the UK 

Situation

Mariam, a young Afghan woman, arrived in the United Kingdom with her husband and two small children after fleeing the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Married at a young age and lacking formal education, Mariam found herself experiencing profound isolation and depression while residing in a contingency hotel with other Afghan refugees whom she did not know. The trauma of witnessing the upheaval in her homeland, combined with relocating to a new country where she was unfamiliar with anyone and had limited language skills, severely impacted her self-confidence and exacerbated her anxiety.

Support Provided

Encouraged by the Hopscotch Women’s Centre’s team, Mariam gradually began to engage in various activities, beginning with Hopscotch’s English classes. These classes provided her with her first opportunity for formal education. Additionally, she joined social groups for women, participated in cooking sessions, and took part in family activities, all of which fostered a sense of community and connection. As trust and support grew between Mariam and the Hopscotch Advocates, she gained confidence in expressing her needs and standing up for her rights.

Impact

Hopscotch’s support empowered Mariam to develop personally, improving both her English proficiency and her self-worth. She learned to assert her boundaries and communicate her needs effectively, even within her community. Mariam has since moved out of the hotel with her children and continues to engage with Hopscotch’s sessions, including mainstream employment support. Her journey with Hopscotch has demonstrated significant growth in confidence and personal development, transforming her life from one of isolation to one of independence.