A Journey into the Unknown

Written by Samira Kohdamani

Greetings, I am Samira Kohdamani, a girl from the beautiful city of Kabul. My life, like the life of many Afghan girls, has been full of ups and downs. 

I started my primary education in Kabul, but due to the unstable situation in my country, my family and I moved to Tajikistan, where I completed high school. Afghanistan has never been a safe place for young girls, and I was fortunate to spend my teenage years in Tajikistan, where I had better opportunities for growth and education. 

However, after 2021, life changed drastically for all Afghans—especially for families like mine, who had always been targeted by terrorist groups such as the Taliban. The fall of the country forced us to begin a dangerous journey. Our destination was uncertain, but one thing was clear. There was no place left for us in Afghanistan. 

Escaping Kabul: Through Checkpoints and Chaos 

We decided to go to Albania, but leaving Afghanistan was not easy. We were supposed to fly from Mazar-e-Sharif airport, but reaching it was a challenge. My family and I had to travel from Kabul to Mazar while wearing burqas to avoid being recognized. At every Taliban checkpoint, our vehicle was stopped, and we were questioned: “Where are you going? Why? With whom?” Every moment felt like a risk of being turned back. 

After lots of fear and uncertainty, we finally reached Mazar-e-Sharif airport. But the biggest challenge was yet to come. The Taliban refused to let us board the flight, insisting that we couldn’t travel without a male guardian. We pleaded with them, but they wouldn’t allow us to leave. Just when we started losing hope, an earthquake struck. The Taliban forces abandoned the airport in panic, and we seized the opportunity to board the plane. As the aircraft took off, I realized we had overcome the most difficult part of our journey—yet the future remained uncertain. 

A New Life in Canada: Hopes, Hardships, and New Beginnings 

After spending some time in Albania, we finally arrived in Canada. It has now been two years since I started my new life here. However, even in Canada, life has not been without challenges. Initially, the government supported us financially for a year, but after that, we had to find jobs and become independent. Finding work was tough, but fortunately, I managed to get a job. Now, I work while continuing my education, knowing that studying is the key to a better future. 

This journey has been full of challenges, but it has also taught me valuable lessons. I have learned to fight for my future, never give up, and keep hoping for the day when Afghanistan will be safe again. 

This is my story—the story of a girl who walked through darkness but continues to strive for a brighter future.