When Farkhunda Nawzadi arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, everything she once knew had changed. Back home, she was a successful and capable woman with a strong sense of identity. In her new country, however, she felt invisible—isolated, uncertain, and reduced to “just a number” in an unfamiliar system.
Despite these challenges, Farkhunda carried a strong determination. She wanted to rebuild her life, stand on her own feet, and become an active and contributing member of her new society.
Farkhunda first came to FODI as a service user. After being granted refugee status, she faced the daunting question many refugees ask: Where do I start? Through FODI, she was offered a volunteering opportunity that became a turning point in her journey. Volunteering allowed her to rediscover her strengths, develop her skills, build confidence, and integrate more smoothly into life in the UK.
With encouragement and guidance from FODI’s former manager, Farkhunda took another important step forward. She enrolled in a UK government–funded Community Interpreting course. Within a year, she qualified as a Community Interpreter—an achievement that opened new doors and enabled her to register with several linguistic companies as a freelance interpreter.
Her journey with FODI didn’t stop there. When a vacancy for Operations Assistant was advertised, Farkhunda applied. After being shortlisted and successfully completing the recruitment process, she joined the organisation—not as a service user, but as a member of the FODI team.
Today, Farkhunda proudly says that her dream of becoming an active member of her new society became a reality with FODI’s support. She loves her job and is passionate about giving back. Every day, she strives to be a ray of hope for others who are walking a similar path—supporting asylum seekers, creating positive change, and contributing to the country and community that welcomed her and her family when they needed safety and protection most.
Farkhunda’s story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity, support, and determination come together.