A young Afghan Hazara girl who fled Iran with her family in 2014, has graduated high school with distinctions.
In her second language.
After only seven years of schooling.
Samira Heidari, 16, has stared adversity in the face to finish year 12 at Marsden State High School last week, receiving top grades and two high achievement awards in Information and Technology.
Originally from Afghanistan, Miss Heidari’s family fled to Iran during a time of turmoil and in 2014, they sought asylum in Australia.
“Iran was very unsafe for us, we couldn’t do anything or go anywhere without fearing for our safety,” Miss Heidari said.
“I have seven sisters and four brothers, so financially we were struggling to live and support the family as well.”
The Heidari family was sent to a refugee camp in Tasmania, where they stayed for a couple of years before moving to Brisbane and then to Logan in 2021.
Miss Heidari who was 7 at the time they moved, said school in Australia was very difficult.
“We didn’t know English, so we had to learn everything,” she said.
“I struggled a lot, but they are all memories now and I just think about all the people who helped us along the way, the teachers and students I have met and the friends I have made.”
Director of Women Empowerment and Leadership – an organization focused on women’s rights, education, and resettlement – Rita Anwari has been working with Miss Heidari since 2021 when she started grade 11 at Marsden State High School.
“Girls and women have no rights in Afghanistan, and the Taliban have now closed schools for all Afghan girls,” she said.
“They aren’t allowed to go to the park, shopping or even to work, and we often take that for granted here.”
“Many Afghans come from poverty and their value of life is so different, they see the privilege we have here and strive to make something of themselves while they are here, and that’s why we see them become doctors, lawyers or ambassadors.”
Ms Anwari said Australia is the land of opportunity.
“It was one of my dreams to see our Afghan girls live in the best country and receive the best education, that means living on their dream, dreaming for a better future,” she said.
“In less than two years in the land of opportunity Samira has achieved her dream of graduating from high school with one medal and two certificates of high achievement, which is the dream of every little young Afghan girl back in Afghanistan.”
“Our Afghan women have dreams like other girls around the world but unfortunately they are born in the wrong land no one sees their value.”
Miss Heidari just completed her Certificate 3 in Business and is now hoping to make it into university.
“I applied for three different courses; Aviation, Business and Management and Midwifery and I will see what I am offered and while I wait for University to start, I will complete another certificate,” she said.
“I just want to work, have a family and a happy life.”
Miss Heidari wants young Afghan girls to follow their dreams.
“Always believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something,” she said.
“Don’t listen to the negative, just listen to your heart.”
Ms Anwari is currently working with Miss Heidari to help her get her driver’s license.
