Rethink Refugees - Najeeba's story

As Najeeba observes, "leaving your country for good is one of the hardest decisions you can be forced to make. It means a break with all that you know -- your family, your livelihood, your friends. All the familiar sights, sounds, smells and tastes..."

http://www.rethinkrefugees.com.au

Najeeba knows this only too well. As a young girl, many of her relatives and friends were killed by the Taliban.

With her parents, she fled the country. They were eventually crammed into a tiny fishing boat with 100 other people. Many days later, the Australian Navy finally escorted them to safety.

But Najeeba and her family were in for a shock. When they saw the barbed wire at Derby processing centre, they thought the Taliban had tricked them.
Life inside was tough. Finally, after months of uncertainty, the family was granted refugee status.

Now a student, Najeeba deeply appreciates the help she has received, saying: "many people have been like angels to us, full of caring and compassion. When people know my story, they always understand and I think feel proud to help us..."