Help Abdul, Fatima & their kids start a new life

For just under ten years (2009 – 2017), Abdul worked as a driver for international aid programs in Kabul, Afghanistan - including those funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations. As a previous employee of an Australian government funded program, he was a target of the Taliban.

 

In June 2021, Abdul had used all his family’s savings to buy a vehicle, so he and his son could earn money as private taxi drivers in Kabul. When the Taliban returned to the capital, Abdul was held up at gunpoint and his vehicle was stolen by five armed robbers, who threatened to kill him if he resisted.

 

As the Taliban’s power began to grow, Abdul knew he and his family were in serious danger. He applied for an Australian humanitarian visa in July for himself and his family - his wife Fatima and their five children Aifie (19), Sebie (14), Zohie (13), Frie (12) and Nemie (6). After four days of trying to get into the airport amidst all the chaos, Abdul and his family managed to make it through in August this year. They arrived in Australia on 1st September with no money and only the clothes they were wearing.

 

Abdul and Fatima are extremely grateful to the Australian government for granting safety for their children, and an opportunity for them to experience a culture that is liberal and moderate. Abdul says, “the opportunity for my children to grow up in a country where the government upholds the rights and freedom for its people above all means everything to me.”

 

Since landing in Australia late last year, they are overwhelmed by the support and generosity the community has shown towards them and their children. In response to this generosity, it is their fervent wish to not be a burden on the community for long and to become financially independent as soon as possible. Abdul has a plan to buy a vehicle, so he and his son can become Uber drivers. Your support would contribute to the cost of a car, which meets Uber X delivery standards, and can also transport Abdul, Fatima and their family. Your support will also go towards the cost of car registration and insurance.

 

Abdul, Fatima and Aifie are hoping to generate enough income to sustain their family. His twelve-year old daughter, Frie has a mental disability and hence has special needs, which is a constant source of worry for her parents.

 

Please note due to security concerns nicknames have been used and faces of the family blurred. As Abdul, Fatima and their family do not have passports, they are unable to receive funds directly from GoFundMe. In line with GoFundMe processes, funds will be transferred to Abdul and Fatima via Sian Clarke's account. Sian and Abdul worked for the same Australian government funded program in Kabul.