I am: Ajda
Where are you from Ajda?
I’m from the Kurdish region of Iran, also known as Iranian Kurdistan.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ajda, and I’m 28 years old. I’m Kurdish, from the region of Kurdistan in Iran. Growing up, I was part of a close-knit community that cherished our rich cultural heritage, but life was never easy. As Kurds in Iran, we faced constant repression - our language, our rights, our very identity were often under threat.
What led you to decide to leave Iran?
I decided to leave Iran because the risks of staying became too great. As a Kurdish activist, I was constantly under surveillance and faced increasing threats from the authorities. My involvement in advocating for Kurdish rights put me in serious danger. There were moments when I feared for my life and the safety of my family. The repression was relentless, and I knew that if I continued to speak out, the consequences could be dire.
It wasn’t an easy decision — I love my homeland, but staying there meant living in constant fear. I realised that leaving was the only way to find safety and freedom, and to have a chance at a future where I could live without fear of persecution.
From a young age, I felt a strong desire to stand up for my people. I became involved in activism, trying to raise awareness about the struggles we faced every day. But this came with great risks. The more I spoke out, the more I found myself in danger. Eventually, it became clear that if I stayed, I could lose everything.
What was the journey like?
he journey was incredibly challenging and filled with uncertainty from the moment I made the decision to leave my home. I had to leave everything behind - my family, my friends, and the life I had known - to embark on a perilous journey into the unknown. Travelling through dangerous and remote areas, often on foot, was a daily reality. The terrain was unforgiving, and there were times when I didn’t know if I had the strength to continue. With limited food and shelter, survival became a day-to-day struggle, and the constant fear of being caught only added to the stress.
Along the way, I encountered many obstacles that tested my resolve. I had to be cautious of those I met on the journey, as not everyone had my best interests at heart. There are people who take advantage of the vulnerable, offering help in exchange for money or other favours, only to disappear when things became difficult. Trust is a rare commodity, and I had to rely on my instincts to guide me through.
There were moments when I felt like giving up, when the weight of the journey seemed too much to bear. The journey changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me the true meaning of resilience, of pushing forward even when the odds are stacked against you.
Why did you want to come to the UK?
I wanted to come to the UK because I saw it as a place where I could find safety and start a new life free from persecution. The UK is known for its strong commitment to human rights and its history of offering protection to those fleeing danger. I believed that here, I would have the chance to seek asylum and, if granted, rebuild my life in a country that values freedom and justice.
Another key reason I chose the UK is its multicultural society. I was aware that the UK is home to people from diverse backgrounds, including many from the Kurdish community. This gave me confidence that I could find a sense of belonging and connect with others who might understand my experiences and struggles.
Speaking good English also influenced my decision. I knew that being able to communicate effectively would help me integrate more quickly, find work, and build relationships in my new community. The UK offered the opportunity for a fresh start in a place where I could not only survive but thrive, contributing my skills and experiences to a society that I knew would welcome me.
When did you meet AARC?
I met AARC shortly after I arrived in Aberdeen, during a time when I was feeling lost and uncertain about the future. Someone at the temporary accommodation mentioned a local organisation that helps asylum seekers and refugees, and they told them that I had just arrived. They told me that AARC could provide the support I needed to navigate this new chapter of my life.
AARC came to see me at the temporary accommodation site. They offered assistance, helping me understand the asylum process and providing resources to help me settle in - things I didn’t have and couldn’t afford, like shoes, clothes and toiletries. But more than that, they gave me the opportunity to stay busy and engaged by volunteering, which not only kept me active, but it also allowed me to build meaningful connections within the Kurdish community in Aberdeen.
Through AARC, I met other Kurds who had gone through similar experiences, and we formed a supportive network that made the transition to life in the UK a little easier.
AARC became a lifeline for me - not just in terms of practical help, but also in giving me a sense of purpose and community during a very challenging time. Through their support, I began to feel more grounded and started to see a positive path forward.
What’s your situation now?
Currently, I’m still awaiting a decision on my asylum application, which can be a stressful and uncertain time. However, thanks to the support I’ve received from AARC, I’ve been able to stay positive and focused.
While I wait, I’ve been keeping myself busy by volunteering with AARC. This not only helps me stay active but also allows me to connect with others in the Kurdish community and beyond. Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and has helped me build relationships that make this waiting period more bearable.
I’m also aware that if my asylum application isn’t processed within a year, I may be able to request permission to work in certain jobs. In preparation for this possibility, AARC has been helping me with training to get ready for potential employment opportunities. They’ve provided resources and guidance to ensure that I’m equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce if I’m granted permission.
Despite the uncertainty, I’m grateful for the support network I’ve found here, and I’m determined to stay hopeful and prepared for whatever comes next. The training and support I’m receiving are helping me build a foundation for a more secure future, whether that means finding work or continuing to contribute to the community in other ways.
What happened when you arrived in the UK?
When I first arrived in the UK, I was processed at a facility just outside London. It was a whirlwind of paperwork, interviews, and trying to understand the complex asylum process. I felt a mix of relief and anxiety— relief that I had made it this far, but also uncertainty about what would happen next.
After my initial processing, I was informed that I would be sent to Aberdeen. I was provided with a basic tracksuit and a pair of flip-flops — enough to cover the essentials, but not quite suited for the colder climate I was about to face in Scotland. With only these items, I boarded the transport feeling both apprehensive and hopeful about what lay ahead.
Arriving in Aberdeen was a significant adjustment. The weather was much colder, and I wasn’t fully prepared for the change. I was placed in temporary accommodation with other asylum seekers, and it quickly became clear that my journey was still far from over. Adjusting to a new environment with limited resources was challenging, but I knew I had to remain resilient.
Despite the difficulties, I focused on adapting to my new surroundings. I started learning about the local community and took steps to settle into this new chapter of my life. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that this was my opportunity to rebuild and start over, even if the path ahead remained uncertain.
Names and certain details have been changed to protect identities and maintain anonymity. AARC are extremely grateful to our service users for allowing us to share their stories to communicate the impact of our work to our funders, potential corporate partners and members of the public.