Behishta Koofi, 20, was born in a large family of five sisters and two brothers. She spent her childhood in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. In 2014, the family decided to move back to Afghanistan since all their relatives were there. They started a new life without knowing that this time it was also for a short period of time. Considering the fact that schools are now banned for girls in Afghanistan, Behishta was lucky. “Before the Taliban took over the country, I was lucky to complete high school.” Behishta’s mother was a women’s rights activist and her father held various positions in the Ministry of Interior Affairs. They relocated to Germany almost three years ago.

Behishta’s passion lies with art and she feel confident in her artistic abilities. However, she decided to pursue an apprenticeship in nursing in Hamburg to assist in saving lives. “What I find most fulfilling about my job is the opportunity to interact with people every day and make a positive impact by helping them.” She uses her spare time to pursue her passion for art.

Moving to Europe presented its own set of challenges for Behishta and her family. Adjusting to a new environment, having no connections or contacts, and facing language barriers were daunting. Her determination to build the future she imagined for herself kept Behishta moving forward. “Besides my assistance through the work, I was determined to show the true spirit of my homeland to the people here. I wanted them to see that we are not just a country torn by war, but also a nation of educated individuals with dreams and aspirations.” She hopes that one day she gets an opportunity to showcase Afghanistan to the world and demonstrate that it is a special place with beautiful and special people.

Growing up in a foreign country, Behishta always yearned to connect with the culture of her homeland. “As a child, I dreamt of returning to my own country and contributing to its development. However, I only had the chance to live there for a few years, and it never felt like enough.” Now that she is far from her country of origin again, Behishta’s focus is on building a strong character and finding ways to serve her fellow Afghans.

As a girl, Behishta knows that she has more opportunities for growth in her new home. “What I truly appreciate about Germany is the respect for our rights and freedom – something I wish every girl could experience, including those in Afghanistan.” She is sad and concerned about the situation of her peers in Afghanistan. “Girls my age are being denied access to education and deprived of their fundamental rights.”

In Germany, she finds it challenging that strict enforcement of rules and regulations during the case process often makes it difficult for refugees. “I believe it’s important to consider refugees’ circumstances and not diminish their capabilities and potential based on their label or origin. Respecting human beings should prioritize well-being over solely serving the interests of our systems or economy.”

Behishta has found herself in a fairly positive place in German society. “I’ve put a lot of effort into integrating into society and I’ve managed to learn the language in a relatively short period. Additionally, I’ve begun volunteering for various projects and in various places that I discovered on my own.” She has also developed a strong network with others through social media and says, “They (my networks) play a significant role in my journey.”

We asked Behishta if she misses Afghanistan, and she said, “I miss the familiar streets I used to walk to school, our cozy home, my beloved room, my friends, and my school, which I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to. Essentially, I miss my old life, my comfort zone. But what I miss the most is my notebook. It held everything about my homeland, my dreams, precious family memories, and moments with my best friends.” She was not able to take anything with her before evacuating, and recalling that last day brings up strong emotions for her.

Behishta emphasizes once more the terrible situation of girls in Afghanistan. “It is extremely dire. I had heard about the actions of the Taliban in the past, but witnessing their atrocities today fills me with sadness and despair. I cannot bear the thought of returning to Afghanistan and being subjected to their oppressive regime. It breaks my heart to see girls suffering and being denied their basic rights, with no choice but to remain silent. When I see news reports of girls crying out for their fundamental rights, it is truly devastating. I hope that the world will listen to our voices and take action to ensure that every girl, regardless of where she comes from, has access to education and other basic rights.”

Behishta believes that she has transformed into a more mature individual who strives to make her family proud. “I’ve taken on greater responsibility for both my family and myself, focusing on growing paths that our generation typically overlooks. This will lead me to a sustainable and successful career and professional life.”

She is proud of her family’s support. “My mother has always shown us to be strong girls and to fight for whatever we want in the right way. My dad has been my hero, teaching me patience and optimism no matter what happens. My sisters have supported me in every situation and helped me become more confident in myself. My brothers have always treated me like a princess, something I proudly mention everywhere I go. And last but not least, I am proud of myself. I’ve never given up; no matter what challenges life has thrown my way.”

In difficult times, Behishta surrounds herself with the people she loves the most, whose positive energy uplifts her. During her free time, she enjoys reading books, and drawing. Currently, she is immersed in one of her favorite books by Khaled Hosseini, ‘The Kite Runner.’ It’s an amazing read that not only entertains her but also helps her learn more about her country.

The lessons she shares with her fellow girls in Germany are: “Try to find your own path, do not let others distract you from your goals and what you believe in, always strive to have your own perspective and make your own way. We can’t become someone who already exists, and I believe we all have our talents; we just need to discover and nurture them.”

“Let’s all strive to make a difference in the world, starting with small actions. Let’s cherish every moment in life and truly live, not just exist. I aim to change the common belief about refugees and demonstrate that they are capable human beings who contribute to society. And I hope to visit Afghanistan again.”