Name: Yalda GulamCountry of origin: Afghanistan
In Ukraine since 1995
Profession: Student
Residence city: Kyiv
— Life in a foreign country is difficult for refugees. However, it is more important that they are safe. It is essential not to feel lonely and be supported: financially and spiritually. I believe to learn the language is a priority for successful local integration, since it shows respect for oneself as well as for the host country.
Yalda came to Ukraine from Afghanistan in 1995 with her family: father, mother,
and the older sister, fleeing from the armed conflict. At that time, she was less than two years old. She started learning Russian and Ukrainian, although at home her family members speak their own language. Yalda did not attend a kindergarten and went to school at five. Her grades were quite high, so after graduation she entered Bohomolets National Medical University in Kyiv. For the first two years, she paid for the education herself; however, later her father got ill and she could not afford it anymore. She approached UNHCR for help and was awarded the DAFI scholarship. Yalda was very grateful for this support, since it was her only opportunity to continue education.
In the nearest future, Yalda plans to graduate from the university: she has two more years of studying and two years of internship. That will help her to work as an obstetrician-gynecologist in the future. Yalda also would like to visit Afghanistan. After moving to Ukraine, she has never been there and would like to see the country where she was born. Nevertheless, Yalda considers Ukraine to be her home and plans to build her life here.